THE ongoing closure of the village pub is continuing to frustrate Hellifield residents.

Parish councillors are now hoping to meet with the owners of the Black Horse building - the Poor of Gargrave charitable trust - to express their concerns.

"There must be something we can do," said Coun Ann Bolland.

"There's enough houses in the village to sustain it. It's in the middle of the village, on the A65 and has plenty of parking."

Coun Bolland suggested holding an open meeting so the whole village could discuss the situation.

The Black Horse has been empty since January this year and leaseholders Enterprise Inns are trying to sell the 15-year-lease, which has two years left to run.

Agents Christie and Co are marketing the lease and James Boshier, from the Leeds company, said there was plenty of interest, but as yet no sale.

Villagers' greatest fear is that their only pub could be lost if the building is sold off for housing.

However, James Boshier, of Christie's, told the Herald: "A couple of parties are interested in the property and it will still be a pub."

Chairman of the parish council, Jeremy Sample, said the council would object to any plans for a change of use of the building.

Meanwhile youngsters have allegedly been breaking into the building and have been seen on the roof late at night, prompting security and safety concerns.

Parish councillors heard fears that drug dealers could also be breaking in and using the property.

The councillors expressed concern about the appearance of Hellifield with the boarded up pub at its centre and said the whole village felt the loss of the amenity.

"It used to be the sort of place where you could get a good pub lunch," said Coun James Walker.

"People used to come to the Black Horse from miles around," remarked Coun Bolland.

Coun Isobel Walton added: "People will come to the new caravan site at Gallaber and they will want a pub to go to."