RESIDENTS have shared their reactions to plans to demolish an "eyesore" Kidderminster pub to make way for a new Sainsbury's convenience store.

A planning application has recently been submitted to Wyre Forest District Council by SEP Properties Limited seeking to bulldoze the Broadwaters Inn and build a new shop with parking.

The pub has fallen into a state of disrepair in recent years following its closure some years ago.

Residents voiced their sadness at the current state of the pub, but some said the site needs "new life" given to it.

On Facebook, James Neale Snr said: "My local for many many years.

"It's sad to see how this once thriving pub was left to go derelict for so long".

"It’s been an eyesore for years so a shop will be a much-needed improvement," Sue Poynter said.

Cal Murrihy added: "It’s an eyesore and needs new life given to it".

On Wyre Forest District Council's planning portal, a comment was made on behalf of the Kidderminster Civic Society, who are urging the developer to retain the building's historic gable and incorporate it into the design for the new building.

The Broadwaters Inn, Kidderminster The Broadwaters Inn, Kidderminster (Image: Urban Exploring UK) The spokesperson said: "It is a great pity that this building has been allowed to deteriorate to a point where its total retention has become uneconomic.

"It is another pub lost to the community and it leaves only one in Broadwaters within walking distance of the residential areas.

"The public house itself was built in 1937, we believe, and whilst not a listed building or a recognised heritage asset, it is nevertheless an interesting and important structure; the gable is of an attractive and unusual design and incorporates possibly the only remaining trademark of the former Kidderminster Brewery, Radcliffe’s.

"This in itself is of local historical importance. It also possessed other pleasing architectural features, such as the roof design, but sadly that is now mostly dilapidated.

"It would be a tragedy if this sole remnant of local history is lost".

They added: "We would urge that the developer be required to retain this gable and incorporate it into the new building.

"Looking at the plans it would appear that a new gable of a similar size is proposed in roughly the same location as the existing one, so this is not an unreasonable request.

"Retaining the existing gable would at least ensure that this link with Kidderminster heritage is not forgotten".