THE Old Swan Inn in Gargrave, badly damaged by fire more than a year ago, will reopen ‘as soon as possible’ says its owners.

The Grade two listed pub on Main Street has been closed since May last year following the fire, which left it without a roof and needing major re-building work.

Firefighters spent several hours battling the blaze, which broke out just before it was due to reopen following a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.

Earlier this year, the Stonegate Group, which took over the pub’s former owner, the Ei Group, said it hoped the pub would re-open in the ‘late summer.’

A spokesperson for the Old Swan said: “Reinstating works are still ongoing and we hope to reopen as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, villagers understand that a new manager has been appointed and the pub will open again in February next year.

Scaffolding that has been in place around the building for several months has at last been taken down, but it is clear there is still much to do.

The pub’s previous landlady, Lindsay Williamson has said on the village’s community Facebook page that although she had wanted to return to the pub after it had been rebuilt, it had become impossible after it had been put out to tender and with a higher rent than she could afford.

She has recently started as landlady of the Buck Inn, Malham and says while sad not to be continuing at the Swan, is looking forward to her new venture.

Gargrave councillor Alan Sutcliffe said he understood the pub was to reopen next year and added it would be welcomed after such a long period of closure.