The East Anglian Daily Times has claimed victory in its fight to safeguard the future of Britain’s smallest pub.

At just 15ft by 7ft, the Nutshell in Bury St Edmunds was under threat of closure, after planners refused an application to put six tables and chairs outside the venue.

It had been hoped that the extra seating would boost custom, and there were fears it could be forced to close if a second application was refused.

The EADT launched its Save the Historic Nutshell campaign in early August, and more than 1,500 readers, civic leaders, MPs and pub regulars gave their support.

Now following the paper’s much publicised appeal and a second application to put outdoor seating along the frontage of the 131-year-old inn, a compromise has been reached.

Although the pub was refused the extension on a permanent basis, councillors gave clearance to have outside seating on 28 days a year.

Bury reporter Liz Hearnshaw said: “People in Bury were really quite upset that there was a threat to the Nutshell.

“It was great that we were able to do something about it.”

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