Pub popular with Peterborough United fans up for sale three years after ringing last orders

The Cherry Tree, in Oundle Road, Woodston, was a popular watering hole for football fans and residents alike for years, with a large beer garden making it the ideal place for a summer beer.

But after a down turn in trade it rang for last orders in November 2016, and has been empty ever since - and has been a hotspot for vandalism and arson since it closed.

Milton (Peterborough) Estates Company has now put the derelict pub and land to the rear up for sale.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Peterborough and District Branch nominated the Cherry Tree Inn as an Asset of Community Value (Reference AOCV00011). Now that notice has been given, CAMRA or any other Community Interest Group has six weeks to declare an expression of interest in purchasing the site. If they do express an interest, they will be given six months to prepare a business plan and gather financial resources, after which time Milton can choose to sell the site to CAMRA or any other interested party.

Robert Dalgliesh, Chief Agent to the Fitzwilliam Estates said: “The potential redevelopment of vacant brownfield land in this vicinity needs to be unlocked and a resolution found to the current designation of the Cherry Tree as an Asset of Community Value under the Localism Act 2011. “Milton has taken the view that the site should be sold so that the site can be regenerated in a suitable manner. A potential purchaser has been identified but a deal can only be progressed once the local community have been given the opportunity to negotiate in accordance with provisions of the Localism Act 2011.

“Notwithstanding the potential purchaser, Milton has put the site on the open market through Barker Storey Matthews to enable all prospective purchasers of the site to be located and given the opportunity to bid.”

When the pub closed, landlady Janet Goldswain described the last night as being ‘like a wake.’

She said: “I didn’t want to close, but when it is not making enough money to keep ticking over, you don’t have much choice.

“I think people want to stay in and watch reality TV now at home.

“When you are open all evening for five or six people coming in, you cannot stay open. You have business rates, council tax, wages, utilities, stock and rent- all these things to pay.

“People really are not supporting their local pub any more.”

For anyone interested in purchasing the site, please contact Barker Storey Matthews on 01733 556496, or for more information visit www.zoopla.co.uk