A PARISH council has raised concerns about the state of a pub in the village which has been empty for more than three years.

The Cross Keys on the A59 at East Marton, near Skipton, has been closed since the start of 2020. There has been two letting agents, but the property remains closed, now with several windows boarded up.

Martons Both Parish Meeting says it is concerned about the poor state of the once thriving pub and the image it presents because of its prominent position on the A59 between Gisburn and Skipton.

Councillor Vicki Smith, chair of Martons Both Parish Meeting, said concern had been expressed for some time about the poor state of the pub and had once again been raised at the last parish meeting.

"The pub has not been opened since January 2020 and had been a thriving business. Locals have expressed that they not only have lost their local pub but are worried about the poor state of the building and attached grounds and the way this reflects on approaching on the A59 as well as concerns about environmental issues.

"There have been attempts to try and find out more from the letting agency but with limited information being disclosed."

The Craven Herald asked the letting agents for a comment and was passed on to the owners, the Wellington Pub Company.

In response, a spokesperson for Criterion Asset Management, on behalf of Wellington Pub Company, said the comments of the parish meeting would be passed on to 'Wellington's maintenance department'.

The spokesperson added that the pub remained on the market for let with Fleurets and that viewings and enquiries were on going.

On its website, leisure property specialists Fleurets, describe the pub as a 'long established drive to destination' which had traded until the tenant exited the business. It is being offered on a 'free of lease' basis.

In April, 2021, the previous letting agents put out a call for enthusiastic operators to take on the significant opportunity of running the pub.

It was described as an appealing property with many attractive features - high capacity bar and dining areas including potential for functions.

It was stated at the time: “The Cross Keys is a well-known and formerly very popular drive-out or destination business alongside the Leeds and Liverpool canal, offering extensive character accommodation with the added benefit of extensive outside drinking and dining areas and parking areas – simply awaiting its rejuvenation by enthusiastic new operators.”