A bid to help safeguard the future of an historic York village pub has been submitted.
The Blacksmiths Arms is the only pub in Naburn. More than 350 years old, it backs on to the River Ouse, and is popular with villagers and day trippers.
Now Naburn Parish Council has submitted a bid to ensure it is an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
An ACV is intended to ensure that an asset like a pub, used for the benefit of the local community, is not sold off – without residents being given the chance to bid for them as an ongoing concern.
A report to the executive member for finance at City of York Council says that the pub freehold is owned by Marston’s Pubs Ltd.
The listed leaseholder is a law firm, Danjo Partnership. Both companies and the occupier of the Blacksmiths Arms have been advised of the ACV listing, but the council hasn’t received a response from them.
According to Naburn Parish Council, the service provided by the pub “furthers the social wellbeing and interests of the local community with local people being able to enjoy a range of drinks and food in a pleasant, convivial atmosphere”.
The report goes on: “The Blacksmiths Arms is the only pub in the village, and it enables people to meet and socialise in a welcoming environment and has good disabled access.
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“Historically the pub has hosted regular quiz nights, music and beer festivals and fundraising events for local charities.
“The Blacksmiths Arms has been a supporter of camping and marina developments within the village.
“NPC have confirmed that recently, events have lessened largely driven by the effects of Covid and staffing. This they state makes the pub’s preservation more vital.”
The Blacksmiths Arms, which won a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2021, was previously listed as an ACV but that was five years ago, and under the rules it must apply to be relisted.
A decision will be made at a decision session by the executive member for finance next Monday (12 September).
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