The historic Henry Jenkins Inn has been part of the social fabric of Kirkby Malzeard for centuries and it was popular with visitors from all over the Harrogate district. In 2017 it was listed as an Asset of Community Value – after a campaign by villagers to block plans to demolish the pub and build new houses.

But part of this much-loved pub has since been de-listed  by the council ... simply because this part was sold by the developer to one of his associates! This could scupper plans by villagers to buy and refurbish the Henry Jenkins as a community-owned pub, bistro and coffee shop.

In the wake of the covid pandemic, the importance of community hubs in rural areas is becoming increasingly recognised – and the Henry Jenkins could now qualify for up to £250,000 grant aid from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. But to make this happen the whole pub needs to be put back as an Asset of Community Value!

We believe that the Henry Jenkins Inn sh­ould be preserved as an asset for the en­tire village and wid­er local community for the future.

• This petition will be presented to the next full meeting of Harrogate Borough Council on October 6th.