Rundown Ribble Valley pub ‘haunted’ by criminals

3:00pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in News Photograph of the Author By Jessica Cree, Education reporter

Rundown Ribble Valley pub ‘haunted’ by criminals Rundown Ribble Valley pub ‘haunted’ by criminals

CONCERNS have been raised over the future of a historic Ribble Valley pub.

The Punch Bowl, near Hurst Green, closed around three months ago after only being reopened last summer.

Since then those living near the famous “haunted” inn have said they are worried it is becoming a target for break-ins and vandalism.

The Longridge Road venue was broken into in April, when an iron grate and some tools were stolen, and police have also received several reports of suspicious activity in the car park.

The Punch Bowl, above, is renowned for being one of the most haunted in Lancashire and has also been run as an Indian restaurant.

Coun Janet Alcock, who represents the Aighton, Bailey and Chaigley ward which includes the village of Hurst Green, said its rural location made it vulnerable.

She said: “There is a row of cones to stop you parking behind the pub, but you do see dodgy vans there.

“It is a great shame for it to be empty and the best thing that could happen is if it were turned back into a house.” Ghost tours guide Simon Entwistle, who said the pub was famous due to the story of a highwayman being executed there in 1741, said it was upsetting to see such a historically important building going to wrack and ruin.

He said: “It is a terrible shame, I really hoped that the new managers could make a go of it.

“I would hate to think that it would be closed forever because it is a tourist attraction in itself.

“All books on Lancashire ghosts focus on the Punch Bowl.”

Comments (5)

6:29pm Wed 12 Sep 12

anonther says...

They used to have old pennies let into the beautiful hard wood bar top at the Punch Bowl.
That was back when Lion Brewery owned it, had an architect/building department to look after it, and landlords were pillars of the community.
Rather different these days, with dodgy property companies running the assets into the ground and employing dubious managers who seem to do a moon light flit after a few months.
No wonder the pubs end up with no customers and the shutters up.
All very sad.
They used to have old pennies let into the beautiful hard wood bar top at the Punch Bowl. That was back when Lion Brewery owned it, had an architect/building department to look after it, and landlords were pillars of the community. Rather different these days, with dodgy property companies running the assets into the ground and employing dubious managers who seem to do a moon light flit after a few months. No wonder the pubs end up with no customers and the shutters up. All very sad. anonther

6:35pm Wed 12 Sep 12

anonther says...

anonther wrote:
They used to have old pennies let into the beautiful hard wood bar top at the Punch Bowl.
That was back when Lion Brewery owned it, had an architect/building department to look after it, and landlords were pillars of the community.
Rather different these days, with dodgy property companies running the assets into the ground and employing dubious managers who seem to do a moon light flit after a few months.
No wonder the pubs end up with no customers and the shutters up.
All very sad.
Whoops!!!! Sorry folks, the pennies in the bar top were at the Eagle and Child Hurst Green NOT thePunch Bowl.
I should have got my rose tinted glasses of yesteryear from Specsavers!!
[quote][p][bold]anonther[/bold] wrote: They used to have old pennies let into the beautiful hard wood bar top at the Punch Bowl. That was back when Lion Brewery owned it, had an architect/building department to look after it, and landlords were pillars of the community. Rather different these days, with dodgy property companies running the assets into the ground and employing dubious managers who seem to do a moon light flit after a few months. No wonder the pubs end up with no customers and the shutters up. All very sad.[/p][/quote]Whoops!!!! Sorry folks, the pennies in the bar top were at the Eagle and Child Hurst Green NOT thePunch Bowl. I should have got my rose tinted glasses of yesteryear from Specsavers!! anonther

8:52pm Wed 12 Sep 12

DEO VOLENTE says...

A sign of the times and of things to come for the "Rubble Valley". Give it 20 years and it will have met the same fate as surrounding towns. It is only a matter of time before those who engaged in "white flight" will have to repeat the exercise. This must be a haunting thought! Never mind! I believe the Cotswalds are very nice, if you can afford it.

Deus Vobiscum
A sign of the times and of things to come for the "Rubble Valley". Give it 20 years and it will have met the same fate as surrounding towns. It is only a matter of time before those who engaged in "white flight" will have to repeat the exercise. This must be a haunting thought! Never mind! I believe the Cotswalds are very nice, if you can afford it. Deus Vobiscum DEO VOLENTE

8:26am Thu 13 Sep 12

cathedral citi says...

DEO VOLENTE wrote:
A sign of the times and of things to come for the "Rubble Valley". Give it 20 years and it will have met the same fate as surrounding towns. It is only a matter of time before those who engaged in "white flight" will have to repeat the exercise. This must be a haunting thought! Never mind! I believe the Cotswalds are very nice, if you can afford it.

Deus Vobiscum
I've heard of the cotswolds. As for the cotswalds, they must be in latinaland, perhaps?
[quote][p][bold]DEO VOLENTE[/bold] wrote: A sign of the times and of things to come for the "Rubble Valley". Give it 20 years and it will have met the same fate as surrounding towns. It is only a matter of time before those who engaged in "white flight" will have to repeat the exercise. This must be a haunting thought! Never mind! I believe the Cotswalds are very nice, if you can afford it. Deus Vobiscum[/p][/quote]I've heard of the cotswolds. As for the cotswalds, they must be in latinaland, perhaps? cathedral citi

2:47pm Tue 18 Sep 12

JumpingFrog says...

I would hardly call the Punch Bowl run down - 3 months is nothing! It'd be shame too if it went the same way as the De Tabley which has been a building site for awhile. Although, I doubt the Punch Bowl will ever flourish as a pub or restaurant, the location isn't great and there is far too much competition. It's hardly a prime location for a house either - right on a main road.
I would hardly call the Punch Bowl run down - 3 months is nothing! It'd be shame too if it went the same way as the De Tabley which has been a building site for awhile. Although, I doubt the Punch Bowl will ever flourish as a pub or restaurant, the location isn't great and there is far too much competition. It's hardly a prime location for a house either - right on a main road. JumpingFrog

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