HITCHIN: A meaningless message or a meaningful missive?

A new sign on a much-missed pub a short walk from Hitchin has prompted more questions than answers this week.

The former Windmill Pub in Charlton was once a lovely spot for families on a Sunday afternoon walk from Hitchin. With its large beer garden bordering onto a farm, with a spacious forecourt at the front, the site was a perfect spot for a beer or two in a convivial setting.

However, that all changed 2015 when the site, along with its car park, was sold to a developer. The building is now neglected and at risk of redevelopment.

Charlton residents and supporters from Hitchin and surrounding areas have rallied to formed a community benefit society, with the aim of buying the pub and car park for the community.

They have been busy raising funds with a share offer with plans to turn the pub into a community hub, which would result in the Windmill becoming more than a pub along the lines of the hugely successful community owned Red Lion in Preston.

Intrigue levels rose when a sign on the wall of the former pub read: "The Windmill. Opening soon."

So, is that just a unlikely message that is tilting at windmills - or is there something behind such a positive statement?

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Nub News has contacted Save The Windmill campaigners. Watch this space for more.