A long-standing York amenity in York could soon be no more, the volunteer who runs it fears.
The Trust Hut, located by Naburn Station on the Selby to York Cycle Track, serves a selection of refreshments for walkers and cyclists, on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis.
Cycle route charity Sustrans has threatened to relinquish the lease on the hut – although the organisation says it is working with the owner to try to find a solution.
The hut is run by local Audrey Harmer. She’s supplied bikers and walkers on the popular route for 14 years.
York Greenways posted about the uncertain future of the hut to Facebook, saying that “without warning Sustrans has threatened to terminate Audrey’s lease on the land by Naburn Station and demolish the Trust Hut”.
The Trust Hut is located on the Sustrans Route 65 trail, which uses the trackbed of the old East Coast Mainline railway, and runs for about 14 miles.
Audrey he told YorkMix the news wasn’t easy to receive.
“The chief executive of Sustrans emailed me on 27 January to say my license could be relinquished, but to leave it with him, so that’s all I can do now. It’s awful,” she said.
She suffered ill-health last year, so wasn’t able to attend the Trust Hut as often as she would’ve liked.
Despite this, charities such as Good Gym York and volunteers from Greenways continued to sustain the site.
“I’m waiting for the letter from Sustrans to set out clearly what their issues are. But even then, they should give you a chance to deal with the issues, not just threaten to withdraw your licence,” Audrey added.
The threat came as part of what she called ‘a double whammy’, as it came only a day after losing her job.
She worked at The Blacksmiths Arms, in Naburn, which revealed they had no choice but to close due to a fall in trade on 26 January.
Audrey feels the loss of the Trust Hut would also be a huge blow to the community.
“It’s an iconic place, it’s served people for years and it’s a tradition. The children who are now adults around here have grown up with it, and they’ve learned a very valuable lesson, and they now bring their own children.
“I’ve seen children go from stabilisers, to them whizzing by me on mountain bikes now,” she added.
The post announcing the potential closure was met with dismay from locals, with some claiming the hut was essential. Here’s a selection of their responses:
“Please no!!! I swear that place saved my life when I was marathon training during the summer a couple of years ago. I’d run out of water running back towards York from Selby on a hot day. I was in a bad way and the water at the hut was very much needed.”
“This little hut has saved me from my small humans fit of hunger and thirst pangs on many a trip. Long may it continue just as it is! Small and Perfectly formed. Ideal safe resting spot out of the way of passing bikes and is doing nothing but good! They need to go pick on someone else!”
“Why on earth would they want to do that? What possible harm could this be doing, on the contrary, it does so much good.”
However, some commenters claimed the amenity had been lacking recently.
“I’ve never seen it usable/replenished with anything, usually just a door flapping in the breeze. Perhaps Sustrans have better plans?”
“It looks abandoned I run past regularly and not been in use for months and in the recent wind looked like it was going to blow away.”
What Sustrans say
Sustrans Charity released this statement to YorkMix: “Ongoing maintenance issues have been identified with the hut and the surrounding area, and we are working with the licensee to find a solution to keep this site safe.
“We have been in amicable communication with the licensee and we will continue to try to work with them to find the best resolution for the Hut, the community, and our charity.
“We are grateful for the incredible work our volunteers do all over the country and it’s amazing when initiatives like the one at Naburn Hut are set up.
“It’s what we’re about as a charity; making active travel accessible and enjoyable. It’s clear how much of a positive impact it has on the community, creating a safe space to stop and rest, and some added joy for journeys made along the path.”
Have you made a stop at the Trust Hut? Do you want it to stay? Let us know at info@yorkmix.com.