Sponsored by
Village pub 'latest casualty of bypass' - COMMENT ON THIS STORY
THE Osgodby bypass has been blamed for another "failing business" as the landlords of the village's only pub call last orders for the final time.
Richard and Zoe Gawthorpe reopened the Poachers Barn in December 2008 following a five-month closure and a 50,000-plus refurbishment.
However, after little more than a year in charge, the couple are leaving the pub, which they claim is no longer a viable business.
Mr Gawthorpe said: "The new bypass has affected the village quite drastically. We are just not getting the passing trade we were getting before.
"It has had a big knock-on effect, and in turn it is just not viable to keep putting money into the business when it is not making any."
The new bypass was also blamed for the closure of Osgodby's only shop Priory Stores.
Speaking at the time of closure in June last year, owner Jim Holt said: "Since the new bypass opened we simply aren't getting the passing trade. I'd say that about 40 per cent of our business came from passing trade. Now the new road is up and running people just aren't driving past the shop."
Phil King, chairman of Osgodby Parish Council, said: "The diversion has killed trade, but we need a pub in the village because it is a centre for activity.
"We want to see it retained as a pub and reopened as soon as possible. I just hope the new landlords will have more success."
Mr Gawthorpe said Marston's, the brewery which owns the Poachers, will be putting in agency managers in a short term move to keep the pub open.
He said: "Marston's offered us a very good deal to take on a new pub elsewhere in the country.
"We have had to close the Poachers, though it should only be for a few days as the brewery will be putting someone in to manage it until they can find a permanent landlord.
"I have loved my time at the Poachers. It is such a lovely location and there are some lovely people in the village.
"We had a lot of support while we have been here, it is just unfortunate the bypass has had such a knock-on effect," he added.
"We want to thank all our customers who have supported us over this last year."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Scarborough
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North east
