VILLAGERS across Ryedale face losing an important part of their communities as pubs across the area are put up for sale.

Residents of Terrington were shocked when The Bay Horse closed unexpectedly and The Crown and Cushion at Welburn, near Malton, is on the market.

It has also emerged that the Royal Oak in Malton, The Grapes in Slingsby, the Cayley Arms, Brompton-by-Sawdon and The Everley in Hackness, are also on the market and it is believed others are likely to be put up for sale shortly.

Regulars at The Bay Horse said a notice had been put up in the pub saying it was closing from last Friday night.

No one from the pub was available for comment.

John Goodwill, Terrington resident and former chairman of the parish council, said: “It is a big blow because a pub is as important to village life as its shop, school and church. We all hope it will be re-opened.”

After struggling to win new business at The Crown and Cushion, Colin Margison and Julie Middleton are putting it up for sale and said this week that their decision had been made because of a lack of support from villagers.

The couple took over the pub a year ago, and Julie, formerly of the Five Lions in York said they have spent many thousands of pounds on improvements. However, their plans to create a large lounge by knocking down a wall to improve the restaurant area were turned down by Ryedale District Council. A new scheme has now been put to the authority.

Despite running a dominoes team, quiz nights, special meal nights and other events, the couple say they have struggled in vain to get support.

To underline the importance of the pub to the rural community, they put up signs over the festive season saying “A pub is not just for Christmas – it’s for all year”.

The lack of support, coupled with the high cost of the lease, has prompted the pair to call time at the pub, a listed building.

Julie said: “We have even put on free sandwiches and live music to attract business from Terrington and the surrounding villages.”

If the Crown and Cushion closes, the nearest pub will be The Highwayman, six miles away, said Colin.

“Ours is a good pub, but it’s the village which we believe is wrong. We get hardly any support from the residents. A pub should be the hub of the community,” he said.

Residents in Fadmoor are still hoping to reach a deal to take over The Plough Inn which closed last year.

Meanwhile, Malcolm Braithwaite, landlord of The Royal Oak, says he is hopeful of buying the pub despite the economic climate.

But he added: “Supermarkets are the biggest problem – they are virtually giving drink away with their low prices.”