A village is preparing to lose its only pub after owners confirmed it will close its doors, citing growing debts and a lack of local support.
The Old George Inn in High Bickington is set to shut on Thursday, May 28, following a decision made jointly by the operator and the property owner.
In a statement shared online, Nick, who runs the pub, said the closure was necessary to prevent debts from continuing to rise.
He said: “On the 28th of May Nick will close the old George inn. This decision has been made by Nick and the property owner so that debts cease to grow.”
Nick acknowledged that his efforts to revive the pub may not have been supported by everyone in the community.
He said: “Nick may not be to everyone’s liking but he is the only person who took the gamble to give High Bickington a pub again.”
The statement suggested that demand for a pub in the village had not met expectations.
Nick added: “As a pub obviously is not wanted by the majority, we will stop trying.”
He thanked those who had supported the business during its time open.
He said: “Thank you to all those people from the village who made the most of it. We are sorry we are unable to continue.”
The closure marks the end of an attempt to re-establish a local pub in the village.
