Community lending hub protected for future

A charity hub which loans out hundreds of items has been designated as an asset of community value, future-proofing its work to support people in Skipton.

North Yorkshire Council approved the nomination from charity Share Skipton for 46 to 48 Newmarket Street, which includes the organisation's Library of Things.

The designation means if the council-owned property is put on the market, community groups can trigger a protected period giving them time to raise funds and prepare a bid.

In the application, a spokesperson for Share Skipton said the charity was looking to expands its work and losing the building would put its operations at risk.

"If Newmarket Street were lost, moving to another premises would likely severely hamper our Library of Things (and Repair Café) operations.

"Should we be unable to find suitable alternative premises, Skipton would be deprived of a valuable community resource that many local people rely on," they said.

Share Skipton has occupied the ground floor at number 48 since July 2024, operating a scheme that allows residents to borrow useful items rather than having to buy them.

The organisation has more than 800 members and has completed more than 3,000 loans, with about 700 items available, including DIY and gardening tools, camping equipment, mobility aids and household goods.

Around 75 to 80 volunteers support its work and the building acts as the operational base for Share Skipton's monthly repair café.

The ACV nomination included 46 Newmarket Street, which is currently vacant first-floor accommodation.

It was used by Skipton and Craven Action for Disability until about 2022/23, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Share Skipton expressed an interest in expanding into the space, potentially using it for volunteer training, skills-sharing sessions and workspace.

The charity has invested about £34,000 improving the property and has held early discussions with the council about taking ownership of the building.

North Yorkshire Council raised no objection to the ACV nomination and said it currently had no plans to sell.

However, the designation does not prevent a future sale and the owner remains free to choose who buys the property.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North