THREE pubs, a supermarket and a woodland in the York area have all been given added protection to help secure their future.

The Jubilee in Balfour Terrace off Leeman Road, The Minster Inn in Marygate, and The Wenlock Arms in Wheldrake have all been recognised as “assets of community value” (ACV) by City of York Council’s executive member for finance, Cllr Chris Steward.

He also gave the same recognition to Wheldrake Woods and the Costcutter shop in Wheldrake, but deferred another application for a Girlguiding centre in Wheldrake, White Rose House, to be given the status.

ACV status gives communities time to oppose any planned change of use, by allowing them to buy and maintain the asset.

Campaigners spoke passionately at a council decision session on Monday in favour of the applications, saying the pubs were vitally important parts of their local community, with regulars using them for darts and pool matches, chess clubs and even a ukelele band.

The Minster Inn closed last weekend but is expected to reopen. The Jubilee is subject to plans for conversion to six flats.

York Press:

Nick Love, spokesman for The Friends of the Jubilee Hotel said on Tuesday that the listing sent out a strong message that the pub was still viewed as a valuable community resource, not just for current regulars but for future generations.

“It could have a bright future if allowed to,” he said.

“The Jubilee can make a far more significant long term contribution to the local community as a public house than six flats.”

Owners Enterprise Inns had opposed the granting of ACV status. They said locals had not supported the pub and said contracts were exchanged on April 7, and the sale is due for completion on August 31.

But campaigners believe the law now gives them a chance to buy the pub, because the sale has not been completed by the time the ACV was granted.

Wheldrake parish councillor Jackie Tetzner said the Wheldrake Arms was the village's only pub and provided a centre for social interaction for families and people of all ages, and provided a sense of well-being in the community. She said the shop provided a vital facility and the woodland was heavily used by local people.