Concerns are growing over the future of an eyesore Barnard Castle pub following recent vandalism.
The Turk’s Head, in the Market Place, has been closed to for more than a year. Last month a panel on the front door was kicked in, leaving the property vulnerable to break-ins.
Town councillors Rima Chattergee, Jan Thompson and Chris Foote-Wood reported the damage to Durham County Council, leading to an inspection from the building control team.
The damaged door has been repaired, but uncertainty remains over the future use of the once-popular town watering hole. And that’s an ongoing frustration for neighbouring businesses.
Clare Dixon, who runs Clarendon’s Café next door to the Turk’s Head, is concerned that the pub has been left to rot.
“It’s just dragging Barnard Castle down,” she said.
“It’s such a shame because it used to be a lovely pub. But now you can see there are pigeons getting in.
“Last time I looked through the window, it looked like part of the ceiling had collapsed. And the windows are starting to come out of their frames, which is a health and safety nightmare.
“It just looks abandoned.”
Michael Howarth, building control manager at Durham County Council, said: “We recently carried out an inspection of the building and determined that, in its current condition, it does not pose a danger to the public.”
Town councillors also asked why security fencing was removed from the front of the building, potentially making it easier for vandals to gain access.
“Security fencing was previously put in place after we were made aware of loose roof tiles and the owner was asked to carry out repairs to ensure public safety,” added Mr Howarth. “The required work was completed, and the fencing has since been removed.”
As for the longer term, that would depend on the pub’s owners. Durham County Council’s licensing department advised that the pub’s current license is held by Easteye Ltd, a Newcastle-based pub and leisure group that trades as Crafted Projects. The Teesdale Mercury attempted to contact Easteye but had no response.
Mr Howarth admitted that the council has limited options.
“While we do not have powers to bring the building into use, we are happy to work with the owner to explore future options,” he said.
