This year is a century since the launch of Carlisle’s State Management Scheme. Fifteen new pubs were designed by architect Harry Redfern as part of a plan to discourage binge-drinking.

These pubs are considered important parts of the city’s heritage. But in 2013 the Rose and Crown in Upperby became the first to be demolished.

Could the Horse and Farrier, on the corner of Orton Road and Wigton Road, be next?

It closed in 2007 and was bought by Tesco the following year, with a plan to build a Tesco Express on the former bowling green and market the pub to prospective publicans.

In April last year Tesco scrapped the plan. The Horse and Farrier is for sale. But it remains boarded up and in limbo.

The pub, built in 1928, is a Grade-II listed building. This means that change of use or demolition would have to be approved by Carlisle City Council.

Council leader Colin Glover said: “The council continues to monitor empty properties. The Horse and Farrier isn’t considered dangerous so there’s no action the council can take.

"Tesco are keeping the site secure. I’ve no reason to believe they will let it deteriorate.


Colin Glover “If the building becomes dangerous the council has the power to step in and order the owner to carry out the work.

“If they don’t do that, the council can carry out the work and make a charge. That’s what happened with the Central Plaza Hotel.”

He adds: “It’s disappointing that the property hasn’t moved on.

“If there are any potential owners out there we would like them to come and discuss it. I think it has potential for a number of different uses.”

Could this become another Rose and Crown?

“I don’t think we’re near that stage at the moment.

“The Horse and Farrier has more going for it. It’s on a main road. It’s just about finding the right end user.”