The MP for Ripon has backed a campaign to raise £250,000 for villagers to buy a Skelton-on-Ure pub.
The Black Lion, on Skelton Lane close to Newby Hall, between Boroughbridge and Ripon, was bought in December 2019 by Admiral Taverns.
However since then it has stood derelict, leaving locals questioning its future.
After the pub was put up for sale, residents called on people to pledge to buy a share in the pub in order to raise funds to buy it and revitalise it.
Now, Julian Smith, Ripon and Skipon MP, has backed the campaign after meeting with villagers aiming to buy the pub.
Sandy Delf, one of the residents involved in the Black Lion Community Hub and Pub group, said:
“Potential is fantastic for this venue. The village is shared with Newby Hall and is in an ideal position between the Dales, York and North Yorkshire Moors. The pub is on an ideal cycling route and so the opportunities are endless.
“The target is within sight and so the group are wanting to attract new pledgees and also ask existing pledgees to think about increasing their pledge amount.”
Great to visit Skelton-on-Ure and meet the Community Benefit Team trying to save the @blacklionpubhub– an Asset of Community Value. The group is collecting pledges to be able to re-open the pub, more info here, https://t.co/ECPKsoFeae pic.twitter.com/Z3iouStHq6
— Julian Smith MP (@JulianSmithUK) April 3, 2023
The group has currently raised £160,000 towards its £250,000 target.
The group, which has received support from rural community charity the Plunkett Foundation, aims to reach the goal in order to access government match funding as part of the community ownership fund.
Shares in the pub cost £250 each and are open to people and businesses to submit an expression of interest.
Read more:
- Much-loved Skelton on Ure pub up for sale
- Skelton on Ure residents plead with owners to save ‘eyesore’ pub
The pub was recently listed as an asset of community value by Harrogate Borough Council, which gives the group a six-month window to raise cash.
For more information on how to pledge a share in the pub, visit the Black Lion Community Hub and Pub website here.
