A YORKSHIRE Dales community is planning a buy-out of it ancient pub.
The residents of Dentdale are hoping to buy their community’s ancient pub, The Sun Inn.
The Sun, first recorded in 1523, is up for sale and at a public meeting held in the hostelry residents voted to attempt to secure it as a community p
They have set up a working group and plan on raising money through a share offer as well as applying for a Government grant.
Working group chairman Andrew Povey said: “The Sun has a special place in our community and is too valuable a community asset to lose which is why we are launching this attempt to buy it through a Community Interest Company.”
The Sun, which is an attraction for summer visitors who enjoy its real fires and stone floors, sits at the centre of the scenic village’s designated Conservation Area, which has a cobbled main street.
They are not the only Dales folk who are staking a claim for the benefit of their rural community – Swaledale locals are attempting to do the same with the Farmer’s Arms at Muker.
Mr Povey added: “Community pubs have been launched all over the country and are hugely successful.
"With the strong support of our community and the many visitors to Dent, we will ensure the Sun will continue and thrive."
Information about The Sun Inn, which is on the pub website, says: "Standing proudly at the top of Dent's cobbled main street for more than 300 years, The Sun Inn is the original Dales village inn.
"A true pub unspoilt by modern distractions - there's no TV, no jukebox and no fruit machines, instead just great value food and drink, an open-fire, original coin-studded beams and some good cheer to be had with the folks around the bar.
"With local, real cask ales from Kirkby Lonsdale and additional guest beers from all over the country there's the perfect pint to savour, either on it's own or as accompaniment to one of our great bar snacks.
"We are open for drinks as follows, Monday and Tuesday - closed, Wednesday - 6pm to 11pm, Thursday - 4pm to 11pm, Friday - 2pm to 11pm, Saturday - 12pm to 11pm, and Sunday - 12pm to 10.30pm.
Anyone interested in more information should visit dentcommunitypub.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here