People were forced to travel outside their village when a Samuel Smith’s pub closed, locals bidding to have protected status granted to it have said.
Skelton Parish Council has applied to have the Blacksmiths Arms designated an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The parish council’s application said the pub had historically functioned as a central and vital meeting place in the village.
It comes after the pub closed in April before reopening again in May.
The bid to designate it as an ACV is set to go before York councillors for a decision on Thursday, 30 July.
The application for the Blacksmiths Arms, in Shipton Road, is one of three related to local pubs set to be considered at the council decision session.
ACV status is granted to buildings which are deemed to further social interests and wellbeing in a community, or has recently done or would in the future.
Buildings deemed to qualify can include cultural and sporting venues or those found to contribute to social wellbeing in a local community.
If ACV status is granted to a building and its owner then decides to sell it, they will be made to wait for six weeks to give eligible local groups the chance to come forward with bids.
A full six-month moratorium is then triggered if a potential bidder comes forward, otherwise the building can then be sold on the open market.
Skelton Parish Council stated in their application the pub clearly met the criteria to be granted ACV status.
The parish council stated: “The Blacksmiths Arms has served the local community for generations and has, for many years, been the only pub located within the main village.
“The pub has historically served as a central meeting place where residents of all ages and backgrounds come together, supporting community cohesion, reducing social isolation and providing an informal but vital social space.
“During the recent period when the Blacksmiths Arms was closed due to the absence of managing tenants, there was a noticeable decline in opportunities for local social interaction.
“Many residents were forced to travel outside the village to meet and socialise, demonstrating the significant community role the pub normally fulfils.
“Its reopening has already restored the benefits that were temporarily lost.
“It has rapidly resumed its role as a thriving focal point for village life, with residents once again able to meet, socialise and participate in community activities.”
