AN empty 'eyesore' pub near Worcester failed to sell at auction - but people can still get in touch if they want to buy it.

The Red Lion in Witley Road, Holt Heath, north of Worcester went under the hammer on Wednesday but did not fetch the minimum asking price.

A spokesperson for Cottons said the property did not reach the reserve in the room but remains on the market for £475,000. Cottons, the auctioneers, had placed signs on the side of the pub to advertise the auction.

"It is still on the market and those who are interested should contact ourselves," she said.

Worcester News: OPPORTUNITY: The Red Lion is a historic pub in Holt Heath OPPORTUNITY: The Red Lion is a historic pub in Holt Heath (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

She said it would still be available for the next fortnight on behalf of the client.

The property has been described as a freehold vacant public house on a large plot with redevelopment potential. A public auction took place at 1pm on Wednesday at Avery Fields in Sandon Road, Birmingham which included live stream and telephone bidding. There was interest in the property with 17 people downloading legal documents ahead of the auction.

READ MORE: Empty Red Lion at Holt Heath now up for auction today

READ MORE: Decision made on future of Red Lion pub in Holt Heath near Worcester

The pub has stood empty for over two and a half years.

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."

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."