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03
Nov
Could empty Killinghall pub become a community asset?
Killinghall residents are to be asked whether they would support a bid to buy a village pub that has been empty for about a decade.
For many years, The Greyhounds was one of two pubs in the middle of Killinghall. But the Three Horseshoes was converted to a Tesco Express and The Greyhounds closed and has not re-opened.
The long-term closure of a pub in the heart of a village with few community facilities has been keenly felt by residents.
Now Killinghall Parish Council is investigating the possibility of nominating the pub to become an asset of community value.
If North Yorkshire Council supported the nomination, the community would be given six months to raise funds to buy the pub if it were put up for sale.
A community campaign raised the funds to buy and restore the Black Lion at Skelton-on-Ure, near Ripon.
But The Greyhounds is owned by independent brewery Samuel Smith’s, which is not known for selling its pubs.
The issue is on the agenda at Killinghall Parish Council’s monthly meeting tonight (November 3).
Rob Bareham, the clerk, said:
It’s not a quick and easy fix. I’ll be asking the council to give me a mandate to find out what the options are. It’s something the council is keen to support if the community is behind it. If we don't get any community engagement we won't be able to take it forward.
Mr Bareham said the parish council was likely to canvass opinions on social. Media and also urged residents to email him their views at clerk@killinghallparishcouncil.org.uk.
The Localism Act 2011 gave communities the power to nominate buildings to be listed as assets of community value.
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