Hunt is on for new King and Queen of Piel Island as landlords of Ship Inn depart

Steve and Sheila Chattaway, the custodians of the Ship Inn, have revealed their 'time has come to an end' after 'an incredible journey' serving Barrow customers.

A spokesman said: "We are now officially allowed to declare that our time as custodians of Piel Island has come to an end.

"We are so grateful to all who have supported us over the years! We have had an incredible journey, met some incredible people and are very proud of what we have achieved during that time it is now, however, time for us to focus on different areas of our lives.

"We wish the very best to whomever takes up the highly rewarding challenge of being the next King/Queen of Piel Island and we can’t wait to be on the other side of the bar enjoying all the island has to offer.

LEAVING: Landlord and King of Piel Steve Chattaway, outside the Ship Inn where funding for renovation of the pub and surrounding grounds of £160,000 was been pulled by Barrow Borough Council, leaving Mr Chattaway and his family living in a caravan

"Thank you again, it’s been an epic adventure."

John Murphy, who leads guided walks to Piel Island, said he hoped the next landlords would be in as soon as possible so the tourism trade on the island can continue its historic success.

"This is another chapter for Piel so it is important we get someone new in as soon as possible," he said.

"The King of Piel is a tradition that goes back centuries.

"Last time we had Martin Clunes filming Islands of Britain which covered the crowning so if we could get some celebrities down for the occasion that would be great for the town. It would be some good positive news."

Mr Murphy will also be resuming his tours of the island once government restrictions allow him to do so.

Piel Island, Barrow-in-Furness.

Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Council, said: “I can confirm that we have come to an early agreement for the current tenants of the Ship Inn to leave.

“This was at their request and we are in the process of finalising the detail.

“In the short term we will be looking to award a contract to an operator who can look after maintenance of the island and keep the pub safe, warm and dry as we work on plans to reopen Piel Island to visitors.

“Longer-term it is our ambition to find an operator who will run the pub and maintain the island in-line with the eco ambitions we shared earlier this year.

“Our ongoing goal is to ensure that Piel Island is open and safely accessible to both local visitors and tourists.

“The Ship Inn is, and for many years has been, at the heart of island life and there are no plans on our part to change that.”