20/03/2007 10:43:00
YHA is to cease operating at The Ridgeway after the building’s owners withdrew from the current partnership arrangement.
Accommodation has been run successfully by YHA in the four converted timber barns near Wantage, in Oxfordshire, since 1987.
But the property’s owner, the Court Hill Trust, has given notice to quit the building.
YHA Regional Manager for the South East Craig Thomas said: “We would have preferred to continue to operate YHA The Ridgeway.
“Closure of this location will be a big loss to our guests who have enjoyed visiting this area and staying in the unique accommodation at Court Hill.
“YHA was committed to the site, and would have liked to expand the business to meet both organisations’ charitable objectives.
“We regret that outline proposals for a new partnership were not explored further and that they were rejected at a closed meeting of the Trust.”
Craig added that YHA had proposed to invest in the site as well as putting forward a comprehensive partnership agreement and new formal lease.
YHA’s operations at The Ridgeway will cease on June 30.