AN HISTORIC Teesdale inn is still open for business landlord says, despite permission to convert it into housing being approved by planners last month.
Plans to convert Smallways Country Inn near Newsham into four houses was given the go ahead by North Yorkshire Council last month.
Landlord Martin Wane, who first heard about developer Mandale Homes’ plans when articles appeared in the Teesdale Mercury, says he has no plans to close the pub.
He added: “I didn’t know the plans had been submitted. When the articles went in the paper, I had phone calls from distressed regular customers asking if we were still open and when we were closing. It’s been a bit upsetting.
“The developer has said they are not in any hurry to do anything as they have a two-year option on the site.”
Mr Wane began running the pub in 2015 and has, like many in the hospitality industry faced a number of financial challenges in recent years.
“Covid got people used to staying in,” he said. “Customers who used to come here twice a week are now only coming in once a month.”
Rocketing prices for electricity and heating oil have also had an impact and he has, during the winter months, reduced opening from Thursday to Sunday.
Mr Wane added: “The hardest things has been the cost of living crisis. Customers have less money to go around now and we are up against supermarket prices. Youngsters now don’t go to the pubs the way we did.”
Despite all the challenges Mr Wane fully intends fulfilling his ten-year lease at the pub.
He said: “As far as I’m concerned, I have a legally binding lease until April 2025 and as long as I pay my rent, I will keep it open I just wanted to let people know we’re still here, we’re still open for business, come and see us.
“The business here is about having good food and being supported by the darts and pool teams. I’m grateful to everyone who organises those and to everyone who comes in.”
