derelict pub an 'eyesore'
FURIOUS villagers have reached the end of their tether over a derelict pub on the A25.
They say it is about time the owners or property agents showed some respect for the community and tidied it up.
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DUTY: Borough Green residents say the owners of the old Red Lion pub – the banks – owe it to their community to improve the appalling state of the building LD1407102_2
Miller Lang, of Annetts Hall, Borough Green, said the historic Red Lion in Sevenoaks Road was now an "eyesore and an attraction to vandals".
He said: "I'm surprised it's been let go so long. If it was made more attractive as an entrance to the village it would attract less of that sort of behaviour."
Shirley Burrluck, of Monkton Road, Borough Green, said the pub, which has been empty for four years, acted as a magnet to teenage vandals and rough sleepers.
"People living opposite here have to overlook the site and it's awful.
"For many people it's the first impression they get of the village. Borough Green is a pretty place but the pub is not improving the area."
Borough Green Parish Council is about to put up new signs on the four main approaches to the village saying "Borough Green in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".
Councillor Tim Shaw plans to raise the matter at the next council meeting.
He said: "How can we put them up when people will drive right past and see the Red Lion building?
"The place looks a state. There is dogs' mess and broken glass.
"The windows are smashed and you can open the door, which is a danger to children and means the place could be used for taking drugs," he added.
"The owners have a duty to the community.
"If the pub is not going to be developed at the moment it should be maintained so it enhances the community rather than defaces it."
The Red Lion, which dates back to the 1500s, is being sold as a half-acre plot with permission to develop the pub into two houses and build six more in the grounds.
The Chronicle spoke to Kings Hill-based property agents Acorn in December about residents' concerns, but nothing has been done.
Tom Luck, of Acorn's commercial and development division, said the site was now owned by the banks after Rock Investment went into administration.
Sale of the site had reached a "stalemate" after Kent County Council claimed ownership of a strip of access land.
2 Comments
by Man of Kent, Sevenoaks
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 8:03PM
“Do what they do to unloved pubs in Sevenoaks. Pull it down, put boarding around it and leave it for a year or two! lol”
by P W, From SE In NW
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 1:13PM
“Hmmmm. If the residents had cared more about their community and used the pub when it was open - this problem would never have arisen! Q.E.D. Typical of these days. Folk work elsewhere and want to live in "Pretty Villages" but stay shut up in their homes never using local services or supporting local shops - Then complain when this sort of thing happens!”