Bilton’s UKIP County Councillor calls on owners of “Eyesore” Skipton Pub for clarification of building’s future

A Harrogate County Councillor has written to the owners of the former Skipton public House seeking a clarification on the building’s future.

The pub – which was closed last summer – had been earmarked for a Tesco Express, but this was shelved earlier this year after the supermarket giant posted significant losses.

As a result of Tesco’s cancellation, the building, on the corner of Skipton Road and Bilton Lane, remains boarded up, which, said County Councillor David Simister (UKIP, Bilton & Nidd Gorge) has left it looking a disgrace and “an eyesore” for almost a year.

County Coun Simister said:The pub has been secured by metal security shutters which gives visitors to the area a very poor impression. Every time I walk or drive past it I cringe as it is such a terrible eyesore.

I have written to Enterprise Inns asking them what plans they have for the building, and, in the short term, if they would be prepared to smarten the exterior.

Whilst many in the area will be pleased that the Tesco plan has fallen through, mainly because of concerns about increased traffic and potential dangers to local school children, the sooner we can get this building back into use, the better.

Enterprise Inn’s reply, which I received three days later, states that they have agreed to review the steel security shutters.

In addition, they also confirmed they were also working towards the completion of a let with a new party? Watch this space!