OUR local pubs tend to have a fond place in our hearts, with them often being fantastic spots to gather as a community.

But unfortunately, Tynedale has seen some of its favourite boozers close over the years.

Some still stand empty, while others have been converted into homes or a range of other businesses.

The Railway Inn at Fourstones closed in 2015 and was put on the market.

But when it hadn't sold, the owner submitted a change of use planning application to turn the pub into a six-bedroom house.

Villagers campaigned to halt these plans, and there were hopes a group could take it on as a community venture.

Members of Tynedale Local Area Council agreed unanimously to refuse the application in 2019, in line with the recommendations from planning officers, who said closing it would result in the loss of a valued community facility.

However, the pub still stands empty.

The Bridge End Inn in Ovingham also shut its doors in 2015. The pub, which stands on the banks of Whittle Burn, was forced to close after Storm Desmond caused catastrophic floods, leaving it swamped under four feet of flood water.

Residents of the village, determined to save the pub, formed the Bridge End Community Group with a view to purchase the pub and reopen it as a “community co-operative”.

However, in June 2016 it was revealed that the pub had been purchased by a mystery buyer with the aim of re-opening it as a pub.

While it looked like the pub may reopen, there was another twist after plans to refurbish and extend the pub were withdrawn in May 2017, due to local opposition to plans for a larger seating area and balcony.

In 2020, Cramlington-based construction company the Sands Group said on their website that the “beautiful building is being restored sympathetically back to its original origin”, but it remains closed.

After the Hare & Hounds in Allendale closed, it was converted into housing and is now a holiday cottage.

The Grey Bull in Haltwhistle is another pub that has been converted, and is now a bed and breakfast which has a five star TripAdvisor rating review, from over 200 customer reviews.

Other popular pubs which have closed include The Bay Horse in Stamfordham, The Haydon in Haydon Bridge, and The Fox and Hounds in Whitley Chapel.