A significant void has been left in the life of a village near York following its local pub’s closure, locals bidding for it to be granted protected status have said.
A bid to grant Asset of Community Value (ACV) status to the Cross Keys, in Dunnington, has been lodged by the village’s parish council.
Their application to City of York Council stated residents had lost a key space to socialise and for events since the pub’s closure in November 2025.
William Moore and his partner Leanne Anderson had taken over at the Cross Keys in Dunnington eight months earlier.
They told YorkMix they had “transformed” the pub but were forced out when William was refused a licence.
Owners Greene King said at the time it shut they were actively looking for someone to take the pub on and reopen it.
Now the application to grant ACV status to the pub is set to go before York councillors on Thursday, 30 July.
The application for the Cross Keys 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.
The Cross Keys has been in Dunnington since around 1823, according to the ACV application.
Dunnington Parish Council stated the pub, in Common Lane, had been the village’s main community meeting point until its closure.
The parish council stated: “The pub served as a community gathering space, offering food, drink, entertainment, and social activities.
“It provided a welcoming environment for residents of all ages and for visitors passing through the village.
“It hosted regular events including quiz nights, darts matches, live music, board game evenings, and charity fundraisers.
“Additionally, local community groups and clubs met regularly at the pub, using its facilities for meetings, celebrations, and social gatherings.
“The closure of the Cross Keys has left a significant void in village life.
“Residents have lost a key space for social interaction, cultural activities, and community events. The absence of the pub has reduced opportunities for informal social contact, which is particularly important for older or isolated residents.”
