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    12

    Dec 2022

    Last Updated: 09/12/2022
    Community
    Community

    Residents call for Sharow pub reinstatement after latest council rejection

    by Calvin Robinson

    | 12 Dec, 2022
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    halfmooninngroup
    Sharow residents outside the Half Moon In pub on Sharow Lane.

    Residents in Sharow have called for a local pub to be reinstated following a council decision to reject plans for it to be turned into a home.

    The Half Moon Inn pub on Sharow Lane was opened in 1822 but closed down back in 2016.

    Since then, a long running saga has unfolded over how best to put the building to use.

    Harrogate Borough Council turned down latest plans by owner Mark Fitton to convert the pub into a house last month.

    The Half Moon Inn at Sharow.

    The Half Moon Inn at Sharow.



    Now, residents are calling for the public house to be reinstated.

    A spokesperson for the Half Moon Inn Pub Group, which campaigns to reopen the facility, said:

    “Local residents are now calling for the Half Moon's reinstatement, this time as a community hub, where food, drinks, cultural and community events can take place, free wifi can be provided, as well as a small shop that offers daily necessities so local residents don’t need to drive to Ripon.”


    Asset of community value challenge


    The move comes as the borough council awarded the pub asset of community status in November following a campaign by local residents and the parish council.

    However, Mark Fitton, the owner of the pub has challenged the council's decision and described it as “flawed”.



    Read more:






    Mr Fitton said no attempt has been made to reopen the pub as a community facility, despite the building being available.

    In a letter to the borough council, he said:

    “The Half Moon Inn has been openly available for a community take-over for five of the past seven years. 
    “During all of that time, no proposal has been put forward.”


    Mr Fitton called for a review of the decision.

    In a letter to Mr Fitton, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, the council confirmed that it expected to complete a review by January 29, 2023.