AN “eyesore” pub in the middle of a Worcester estate could still become housing.

The Drakes Drum in Tudor Way, Dines Green, has stood empty for more than a year but it is now under offer, according to Halls estate agents.

When the pub was last on the market in June 2008, your Worcester News reported how the site could be converted into housing.

A land registry search conducted by us revealed the current owner to be John Samuel Ltd, registered to John Yelland and Company in Sansome Walk, which bought the pub for £425,000 plus VAT in July that year.

When asked to comment on the sale, a spokeswoman at John Yelland said they could not pass on confidential information.

The search also found an option of purchase was offered to Worcester Community Housing (WCH) in July last year. The housing association said it was still pursuing the option.

Earlier this month, concerns were raised by residents of Tudor Way when mounds of earth appeared around the car park.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said the pub had been the target of thieves, vandals and graffiti since it closed.

“This pub was an eyesore before and now it's even worse,” he said. “The local residents want something done about this – either reopen it as a pub or tear it down and build on the land.”

Pauline Gillies echoed his comments.

“It’s an absolute nightmare,” she said. “I can understand the owner putting the earth there as a security measure because apparently he’s had a lot of break-ins. He came round to the houses to apologise. The thing should be pulled down. It’s just an eyesore.”

Richard Tomlinson, of Halls estate agents in Worcester, said the bund was a security measure in a bid to deter trespassers.

He added there had been interest shown in the pub and an offer has now been made but he did not disclose details. The pub was built in 1960 and includes a bar, lounge and skittle alley, as well as a self-contained four-bed flat on the first floor.

Worcester city councillor, Margaret Layland, ward member for St John’s, said council officers were keeping an eye on the situation with the bund.