THE new owner of the Craven Heifer pub in Grassington Road, Skipton is planning to reopen it as a combined pub and garden centre.

Skipton businessman Andrew Tapsell, bought the pub after it was put up for sale at the end of last year with a price tag of £795,000 on behalf of the trustees of the Tarn Moor Estate.

Mr Tapsell, owner of Tapsell and West Carpets in Broughton Road, and the former owner of the Old Fire Station in Skipton, said he was excited about the future of the Craven Heifer and aimed to reopen it around the end of the month, around the same time as Kilnsey Show.

The family business already has an established garden centre, Bloom Skipton, also in Broughton Road, and run by Andrew's son, Rebby, which will transfer to the Craven Heifer, with a new name, 'Bloom at The Craven Heifer'.

Bloom at the Craven Heifer is expected to sell indoor and outdoor plants, including fruit trees and vegetable plants as well as garden accessories, furniture and fire pits. There will also be a gift emporium selling cards, bath and beauty products, and books for the whole family.

The pub has been closed since July last year, and after repeated break-ins, was surrounded with security fencing and CCTV cameras.

In July, two men pleaded guilty at Skipton Magistrates Court to burglary with intent to steal at the pub in May.

It has not been disclosed how much the pub, which includes 19 letting bedrooms, bars, dining areas and large car park was sold for, but when it went on the market in November last year, the asking price was £795,000.

Alastair McDowell of selling agents Ilkley-based Atkinson Associates, said there had been a lot of interest from potential buyers. "Notwithstanding the need for significant investment and the difficulties being experienced in the hospitality industry the sale of the Craven Heifer generated significant interest including from a number of national operators, reflecting the quality of the site and opportunity presented," he said.

A spokesperson for the Tarn Moor Trustees, said: “Ever since the Tarn Moor charity was first set up, the trustees have always viewed the Craven Heifer pub as a special part of their estate, and have been proud to see it as a local landmark and a popular venue for local people and visitors alike.

"We welcome the news that the sale has now been completed to the Tapsells, so that their new business, sympathetic to this site, can be opened. We pass on all our good wishes to the new owners, hoping that their business will thrive in the premises, and we look forward to seeing them develop this business alongside the neighbouring green burial ground, which remains in Tarn Moor’s ownership."

Skipton Town Council as custodian trustees for the Tarn Moor Trust, approved the sale of the pub at its full meeting on July 18.

The decision was taken in a private session, but a report to councillors said the council could support the trust in the proposed sale, or reject it and obstruct the sale.

Councillors agreed stopping the sale would mean the Tarn Moor Trust incurring 'considerably more expense over the property'.