WORK is to begin on converting a former hair salon into a village’s first micropub, after its licence was approved this week.

The micro pub in Great Ayton will operate as a gin and tap house, selling craft and cask beers from the unit in The Arcade.

The application for a licence was approved on Thursday (April 26) by Hambleton District Council’s Licensing and Appeals Hearing Panel.

It was submitted by Jonathan Blackmore, from Middlesbrough, who will run the business with family members including his sister-in-law Jo Blackmore, from Great Ayton and other relatives who currently run the Minster Inn - an Edwardian Ale House based near York’s Museum Gardens.

Jo said she hoped the micropub would provide a cosy, welcoming environment for all ages and would also cater for the many cyclists and walkers visiting the village, which lies in the shadow of Roseberry Topping.

She said: “We often travel to Guisborough where there’s a lot of nice eateries and micropubs. We thought it would be nice to have somewhere like that in the village that’s a relaxing environment accessible to all ages; or where people could go for pre-dinner drinks.

“We’ll also be doing nice coffees and nibbles – it’s not going to be about people getting hammered or drunk.”

The only response from local residents to Hambleton District Council’s licensing consultation were eight letters of objection, expressing concern that the pub might add to the problems of anti-social behaviour from young people at that end of the High Street, along with a police report high-lighting existing anti-social behaviour in the area.

But after the report had been published, dozens of residents took to social media to welcome the idea of the micropub and offer their complete support to the project.

One person posted on Facebook: “Fab idea! I actually said not long ago that something like a micro pub would be wonderful for Great Ayton. Good luck!”

Another posted: “I think it’s a great idea, there are too many empty buildings on the high street, which can have an impact on community cohesion and anti-social behaviour. Lovely idea to put these buildings to use!”

One person wrote: “Great News. We need a micro pub where like-minded people can taste and enjoy the joy of different ales, I will give it my support and really the kids of Ayton are not that bad, they really just need something positive to do and a place to go.”

It also prompted suggestions on social media for The Arcade area be spruced-up and updated, with some proposing they write to the parish council to see if the owners of Great Ayton’s Arcade can be approached over the matter.