AN empty 'eyesore' pub near Worcester is to go under the hammer at auction - but villagers would love to see their old family pub reopen.
The now shabby-looking Red Lion in Witley Road, Holt Heath, north of Worcester has stood empty for over two and a half years. Now it will go up for auction to see if a buyer can be found.
Many residents recalled with fondness what they said was the heyday of the once 'thriving' pub under former landlord, Derek Hine.
Sheila Ellwood, 68, who has lived in the village since 1983 said she felt the 'historic' pub building itself should be kept and would be a good site for a business, possibly a pre-school.
"There are very few of the old properties left along the road to Hallow. I have seen the pub thrive and cease to thrive. I would love to see it back open as a new, thriving business. It's an ideal location for a business. It would have been nice if it could have been kept as a pub."
Large auction signs have appeared on both sides of the historic building, clearly visible from the main A443.
The signs from Cottons describe the potential sale of the vacant pub as 'a development opportunity'. Paint is now flaking off the building and large concrete blocks protect the car park from any incursions by cars or caravans.
An auction is due to be held today (Wednesday, July 12) at 1pm at Avery Fields Sports and Events in Sandon Road in Birmingham. The guide price is £480,000 with no offers yet.
Some bidders are taking part online and others over the telephone while many are attending in person, a Cottons spokesperson confirmed.
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The pub closed in November 2020. A planning application has been submitted by George Windsor for two homes at the back of the site although a decision on the proposal has yet to be reached by Malvern Hills District Council.
Previous plans to demolish the pub and replace it with six four bed houses were rejected by planners after the pub was deemed to be an important community asset. However, a separate plan that would see the pub renovated was approved.
Sara Sherrey, 54, a mum-of-three has lived in the village for 28 years. I would absolutely love to see it reopen as a pub. I know it requires a lot of investment and support from the community. As it stands, it just looks like such an eyesore.
"It's a tragedy because, when it's gone and turned into housing we will never get a pub back in the village. It's sad.
"Before I had children, the village pub was how I made friends in the village. I would love to see it returned to a pub."
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