Villagers hope picturesque Dales pub can reopen in time for Tour

IT IS the perfect place to watch riders in one of the world’s best known sporting events tackle all that Swaledale has to throw at them.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Nov 2013, 00:00 BST
Locals from Gunnerside in Upper Swaledale outside the closed Kings Head pubLocals from Gunnerside in Upper Swaledale outside the closed Kings Head pub
Locals from Gunnerside in Upper Swaledale outside the closed Kings Head pub

However, a group of locals is so concerned that the King’s Head in Gunnerside, which is the village’s only pub, will still be closed when the Tour de France’s peloton sweeps past its door next July, that they have launched a campaign calling for somebody to take it on.

Sylvia Crookes, one of the campaigners, said: “The owner is keen to sell the freehold building, and understands the worries of the community. When he was approached by a group of villagers, after a community meeting, he offered them a free lease so that they could run it for the village.

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“However, solicitors advised that because of problems with the roof, it would be uninsurable by them as licensed premises.”

The locals hope that an enterprising buyer can now be persuaded to come forward for the pub which has long been the hub of village life.

Campaigners argue tourism in Swaledale is growing and will continue to do so.

Related topics:VillagersTour de France