A NORTH TYNE pub, hotel and restaurant has announced it is to close.

The Black Bull, on Wark Main Street, shared the news on its social media yesterday (Friday), while suggesting the Grey Bull Inn, also in the village, could also close.

The statement said: "It is with a heavy heart that we confirm the permanent closure of the Black Bull pub, effective immediately. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, taking into account the pubs operation for 287 years.

"With significant delays and overwhelming objections in relation to the planning application to extend the facilities at the Black Bull, we are no longer able to financially support the business. Without the planning being granted to create additional income, the survival of the business cannot be guaranteed without continued financial support from our other businesses in Tyneside. The current situation, worsened by Covid, prohibits us from continuing to subsidise the pub. Unless the business can stand on its own feet (by creating a larger space in which to attract visitors), we cannot remain open.

"It was our sincerest hope that we would have the support of the community to save the pub for future generations and safeguard the creation of at least 14 jobs for local people. We have no desire to operate in such a way that upsets so many of our neighbours, which this planning application has done.

"We hope beyond hope that the Grey Bull can reopen, but as the lockdown continues to drag on, permanent closure becomes more and more likely. The likelihood of closure we currently put at 70 per cent probability.

"To everyone who has offered their support, we cannot thank you enough. For all those who supported the weekend takeaways and visited us during the summer, we are forever grateful. To our loyal customers, we only wish you could have been here for our last orders.

"Finally to our staff, we thank you for all you have done to try and save the business."

In October 2020, a planning application was submitted to Northumberland County Council by the long-established pub for the construction of single storey multi-use building to rear with glazed link to conservatory and storage; construction of office pod building in rear garden; retention of garden structure in rear garden; internal alterations to ground floor; new entrance porch to front; and retrospective permission for glazed conservatory to rear. Ref. No. 20/02590/FUL.