A planning application to convert the Oak Tree Inn in Copt Hewick to two cottages was rejected earlier this year by Harrogate Borough Council, but following an appeal by the pub's owners, the inspectorate overturned the decision late last week.

Village residents who had campaigned hard against the closure say they are all upset by the latest news.

"We certainly don't have the money to take it any higher," said villager Christopher Hewitt.

"The findings of the appeal are very negative - there's nothing in there which takes into consideration the views of the village.

"What we are going to do now is have impromptu free days where if you see some balloons outside a house on a free day it means go round and have a few drinks or maybe a barbecue.

"We have to start somewhere. Unfortunately we have to do without a pub."

Concern

In his report on the Oak Tree, the inspector, Graham Snowden, said he could understand the widespread local concern at the loss of a pub.

However he went on: "I am satisfied that genuine efforts have been made by the owners to make the pub viable and, taken together with evidence of previous business failure, I am satisfied that there is no reasonable prospect of the existing use continuing on a viable basis."

The pub closed it's doors in March last year after being taken over by Paul Watson and his wife in 2004.
Speaking after his successful appeal, Mr watson said: "It was not viable and it's as simple as that.

"How many landlords does the village want to see bankrupt just to keep a pub?

"We did not buy the place with the intention of selling it. It was closed when we bought it and we needed to get it running but it was not viable."

"We gave it our best shot," said Mr Watson.