A publican preparing to leave a Shillingstone watering hole says he fears for the inn’s future.

Cliff Dacombe, a tenant at The Old Ox Inn, took on the pub less than three months ago but has handed in his notice and will leave on October 18.

The landlord, who runs a successful pub in Petersfield, said continued delays on improving the pub from its owners had forced him to cut his losses.

“In April, Admiral Taverns contacted me and my partner Julie and asked if I could look at the Ox and draw up a shopping list of what needed to be done to turn it into a dining pub.

“We did a shopping list of new windows, central heating and a kitchen. They had plans drawn up and said they would put in for planning permission, but that was never done,” said Cliff.

The landlord said the lack of a kitchen and dining facilities had harmed the pub’s viability as a community facility.

“We open at 5pm on weekdays, but because we haven’t got a kitchen no one comes in until 8pm. We should be taking between £5,000 and £7,000 a week, but instead we’re taking between £1,500 and £2,000,” said Cliff.

“I have offered to buy the pub from them. I’ve put in two offers. They have refused point blank. I really don’t want to leave Shillingstone, but I’m dipping into my savings every week,” he added.

Customer Ian Axon, who has lived in Shillingstone for more than 10 years, said investment would see the pub play a vital role in the life of the village.

“We have got the project to restore the village station and the North Dorset Trailway. My wife and I often meet walkers who ask if there is a place where they can go for a drink and something to eat,” said Mr Axon.

A spokesman for Admiral Taverns said: “The Old Ox will continue to trade after the current tenant has left.

“We are still planning a refurbishment of the pub to include a new kitchen and restaurant area and are confident that it will continue to thrive.”

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