Wharfedale Observer

Fears grow as popular Otley pub is boarded up

From the archive, first published Thursday 15th Nov 2007.

FEARS are growing that a recently closed Otley pub could be sold to developers after workmen revealed they have been told to board the building up.

The Summercross was closed last month for the second time in two years - despite the fact it had been run successfully for the past 18 months by Barry and Pamela Mills.

The couple were left stunned when the building's London-based owners, Phase 7 Properties, told them their lease would not be renewed and gave them a month's notice to leave even though the pub is the only one in that part of the town

Since then no information has been released about what is intended for the pub, which lies within Otley Conservation Area.

But on Monday workmen on the site told inquisitive residents the property was to be boarded up and the car park fenced off, fuelling speculation it may be sold for housing.

MP Greg Mulholland, who helped set up the Save our Summercross (SOS) campaign, said: "Phase 7 Properties are treating the people of Otley with contempt.

"They haven't had the decency to tell people what they intend to do with the Summercross and haven't bothered replying to letters sent by the MP, the Town Council, city councillors and local residents, who are all objecting to the closure.

"If they think they can do what they want with the site, they are mistaken.

"The community will fight any redevelopment of this lovely part of Otley and we will keep campaigning until the Summercross is open again as a pub and serving the community."

County Estate Management (Pubs) Ltd meanwhile, which had been leasing the pub for the owners, told the Wharfedale and Airedale Observer this week it no longer had anything to do with the Summercross, and had no idea what was happening to it.

More information on the SOS campaign can be found at www.sosotley.org.uk.