FUMING locals have slammed an abandoned eyesore crumbling into their gardens – and no one will help.
Homeowners in Capel-le-Ferne near Folkestone, Kent, are at their wits’ end as the former village pub has been left to collapse for years.
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The Lighthouse Inn was once the area’s much loved social hub, but since a landlord dispute in 2019, the “eyesore” has been left to fall into decay.
Rachel Garrett, who has lived in the picturesque town for 20 years, told KentOnline: “It used to be a really nice place to go because it was a family place you could take your kids to and it had nice gardens you could sit in.
“People always wanted to visit here as it is beautiful.
“It is an absolute eyesore and it needs some really good investment as our concern is it could be ripped down and turned into housing.”
The 54-year-old suggested turning the derelict building into gym facilities to help keep residents fit and healthy.
Another local, Martin Ingrouille, is baffled as to why the property hasn’t been snapped up.
He explained the Channel views made it “one of the main” hotspots in the village.
“They did good meals and it was quite busy. I think it is a loss for the village as there are two other pubs at either end, but it has been empty for ages,” Martin added.
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“It is gradually declining and becoming more unloved.”
Shocked resident, Adair Lewis, was devastated when the “excellent” pub closed down.
He said: “It seemed it came as a shock to the couple running it.
“It is a bit of a wreck now but any building that is left like that for years will be.”
An anonymous homeowner further stressed the pub’s former glory with “two good chef” and “well-run” hotel and restaurant.
“Things are just falling to bits and it is very sad,” they added.
“Nothing has been done and it is slowly getting into disrepair.”
The Lighthouse Inn saddened locals with their closure announcement in July 2019.
They wrote on Facebook: “We would like to thank all our customers through the years.
“We regret to inform you as of today The Lighthouse Inn is now permanently closed.”
A second post, shared to the Capel le Ferne Parish Council’s page, added: “Over the past 18 months landlords have have been trying to gain possession of the property.
“As from midday tomorrow there will be 24 hour on site security and concrete bollards at the entrance.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our seven years here, have made friends and will have happy memories of The lighthouse.
“We would like to thank yourself and the villagers for your loyalty and support over the years.”
A spokesperson for Capel Le Ferne Parish Council stated the pub’s owner was contacted.
They said: “It is deteriorating and there has been some work there but not anything to be able to sell it or open it to what it was initially which was a lovely restaurant and pub.
“Many of the residents feel very sad that it has been left in a state of despair.
“One appreciates we had the pandemic and that didn’t help but that is done and dusted now.”
This comes as other residents elsewhere in the UK battle the same problem.
Locals in Norwich, Norfolk, say they are fed-up looking at the former Debenhams department store blighting the city centre.
Plus, a group of homeowners shared their fury at being left with an “eyesore” after paying £15,000 more for their homes to overlook a key feature.
Meanwhile, people in Walthamstow, northeast London, live in fear their market town will be ruined by two “hideous” high-rise buildings.
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