ONE of Barnsley’s oldest pubs which played a vital role in Barnsley FC’s early years has come under threat - as potential buyers have set their sights on converting the historic site into a shop.
The Dove Inn on Doncaster Road has recently gone up for sale, with owners Old Mill Brewery claiming that it no longer fits with their wider plans as they push for more gastro pub-style establishments.
The sale is being handled by London-based estate agents Fleurets, who have put the two-storey, three-bedroom property on the market for £160,000.
However, locals are concerned what the sale will mean for the well-established pub.
The Chronicle understands that two recent viewers have put in offers, with plans being explored to change the property’s use to a shop.
Opened in around 1790, the pub became a base for Barnsley FC’s first players, when the club was just starting and still known as Barnsley St Peter’s FC.
Fr Blair Radford, the current vicar of St Peter’s, has been involved in supporting the pub’s continuing operations.
He told the Chronicle: “When the club started, it was the Dove Inn that they used as their changing quarters.
“They would head down the hill to the old farmer’s field where they’d play - that site’s now where the stadium is.
“Then after the match they’d come back up the hill, get changed and spend some time in the pub.
“But it’s also important now because there’s nothing around the area for community infrastructure.
“The pub helps form a community - it’s more than just about the function of serving alcohol.”
While the vicar admits that his assistance isn’t necessarily what people expect from a man of the cloth, he strongly believes that the social and historic value of the pub makes it vital for the area.
With support from licensees Paul and Julie Kenworthy, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) have got involved, using their experience to help keep this local business alive.
They have set out plans to make the site an asset of community value, which would ensure the business remains as a pub.
Local CAMRA branch chair, Andrew Taylor, added: “Pubs in general need saving, they’re a community asset.
“It’s a focal point for the community, a social place with multiple uses from coffee mornings to pool teams.
“One of the reasons this one is in our focus, as in this area there’s not many real ale outlets available for people who want to drink craft, cask beer.
“Making it an asset would protect it from any changes - so that’s a conversation with the local people and we’ll help set it up with them.”
CAMRA’s national planning policy adviser, Paul Ainsworth, added: “There’s no evidence that the pub is no longer required - it has been a popular meeting place for local people and there’s no reason to think that, in the right hands, it could not be a thriving and successful business.
“The considerable number of new pubs and bars that have opened in town over the last couple of years demonstrates the currently buoyant state of the trade.”
