'Hearsay is true': Otley pub The Fleece confirms closure after crisis meeting

The Fleece pub in Westgate, Otley, is set to close its doors after a crisis meeting, its team has announced.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (April 21), staff said it was “with great sadness and very heavy hearts” that the pub would soon stop trading, citing rising wages, soaring utility bills and a decline in customers as the main reasons.

The statement reads: “The hearsay is true after a crisis meeting and with great sadness, very heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to stop trading as a business at The Fleece.”

The team added that, despite their best efforts to turn the business around - including hosting a range of events and lunchtime activities - they were unable to keep the pub afloat.

“We have enjoyed being part of the community and creating a hub where families and locals can join us,” the statement continues. “And made some wonderful friends along the way.

“Can we say a massive thank you to our loyal customers. We thank our amazing team past and present for the laughs, service and effort they have put in.”

The team finished the statement by urging the public to support their local pubs, describing them as “a hub of the community”.