VILLAGERS feel ‘desperately disappointed’ following the news a much-loved pub is going on the market.

Robinson’s Brewery, owners of the Derby Arms in Great Urswick, have announced the decision to sell the pub following months of speculation.

The Derby Arms, which has served the locals of Great Urswick for more than a century, closed its doors in mid-December despite community efforts to keep the pub open.

Since then, the owners have remained tight-lipped on the future of one of Urswick’s only pubs.

A spokesman from Robinsons Brewery said: “A thorough review of our whole estate has been undertaken throughout January and a full and in depth review of the Derby Arms was undertaken.

“Reluctantly we have taken the decision to sell the Derby Arms. The accommodation block will be retained by our company to provide a much-needed additional source of income for the General Burgoyne.

“I am sure our decision to sell the Derby Arms will be a disappointment to the community. Our company’s focus is now however to ensure the General Burgoyne, being the remaining licensed premise in the village, can continue to provide a valuable benefit to the community.

“We are currently in discussions with an agent with the intention to fully market the property on the open market after Easter.”

Urswick Parish Councillor Denise Chamberlain expressed ‘huge disappointment’ towards news of the sale.

She said: “We are still desperately disappointed that Robinson’s Brewery felt they couldn’t continue with the Derby Arms as a pub but we are pleased it will be on the open market.

“Hopefully someone will take on the building as a pub or tearoom which will increase interest to the village.”

Ms Chamberlain called the pub’s closure ‘a great loss to the village’.

She said: “What we don’t want is an empty building sitting there.

“It is very sad but I’m hopeful someone will do something with the building.”