Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
20
Nov
New twist in Kirkby Malzeard community pub saga
A Kikrby Malzeard group working to retain a 250-year-old pub has called for a major next step.
The Henry Jenkins Community Pub group has spent the last eight years trying to take over the Henry Jenkins pub - which closed in 2011 – and convert it into a community space. Pub owner, David Fielder, has lodged several planning applications to convert it into housing and a holiday home.
More than a year after the Henry Jenkins was granted asset of community value status, the group and fellow village residents gathered at Kirkby Mazleard village hall on Monday night (November 18).
Group chair, Richard Sadler, said they are now calling on North Yorkshire Council to make a Compulsory Purchase Order on behalf of HJCP.
Mr Sadler gave an update yesterday (November 19):
We’re delighted to have had such a great turnout – and the feeling in the room was overwhelming supportive of what we’re trying to achieve. People are fed up that this once-thriving pub right in the middle of the village has been allowed to fall into such a disgraceful state.
As we reported to the meeting last night, North Yorkshire Council have finally said they will consider making a compulsory purchase – which would require an independent valuation - to break the stalemate. We will now be submitting a formal request to the council to begin compulsory purchase proceedings as a matter of urgency.
The Henry Jenkins pub now.
The group has also set up a petition calling for the council to press ahead with a CPO, which has received more than 550 signatures online and 150 on paper.
A member of CAMRA’s campaigns committee, Paul Ainsworth, spoke at the meeting and told the room he “saw no reason why it should not be viable as a community pub”.
HJCP’s treasurer, Andy Jenkins, also said the process of asking villagers to redeem pledges to buy share in the pub has started, and he urged people to redeem the pledges as soon as they can.
Mr Taylor added:
A total of £66,750 had already been raised.
When this was combined with £330,000 promised Government funding it meant the group was already in a position to buy the Henry Jenkins and begin repair and refurbishment – provided it was bought at price which reflected the pub’s value in its present dilapidated condition.
However, more money would be needed to finance the complete refurbishment and other expenses in accordance with the group’s business plan.
The Henry Jenkins pictured when it closed in 2011. Photo: Google.
The HJCP said all eight offers to buy the pub have been rejected by Mr Fielder. Members would like to come to an agreement with Mr Fielder without having to go ahead with a CPO.
But a lengthy social media post shared by Mr Fielder before the meeting offered a different perspective.
Alongside a timeline of events, Mr Fielder said online:
Over the past years HJCP has made several purported offers to purchase both mine and the adjacent property but never have been able to prove funds. They have been repeatedly told that the Old Joiners Shop is not for sale, not under my ownership or control, yet they persist in making joint offers to me.
HJCP now appears to prefer the CPO route rather than to attempt a negotiated purchase from myself.
The post generated a mixed response; some told Mr Fielder the state of the pub was "shameful", but others said he should be allowed to do what he wants with the site as the owner.
0