Villagers launch campaign to save Dales pub

3:11pm Wednesday 19th November 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

VILLAGERS in North Yorkshire have launched a campaign to help save their local pub.

The King’s Head at Gunnerside, which has been up for sale for the past year, was facing closure due to lack of trade.

But when construction consultant Jenny Jackson and her business partner Roger Tuckett offered to take it over, residents rallied round to help clean, decorate and run the pub on a temporary basis.

Ms Jackson, who lives in Harrogate but is hoping to move to the Dales, said: “I have been looking at businesses in the area for quite a while now and I think the King’s Head as a lot of potential.

“The owners - a pension fund - have agreed to let us have the lease until March so we will make a decision then about whether or not to take it on permanently.”

She said current staff would be retained, and that residents had volunteered for a two-day painting and decorating session next week and to help out with the running of the pub.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of residents,” she said.

“There’s no way we’d be able to do this without them.”

There will be a drop-in session at the pub on Sunday, November 23 when people will get the chance to make suggestions for the running of the pub.

The session will take place from 2pm-5pm, when all beers will be sold at £1 per pint. All are welcome.