FOUR years on since a tree demolished a small hut belonging to a Over Peover pub, residents in the village have branded it an 'eyesore' and bemoaned the time it has taken to sort it out.

The small hut, belonging to the Parkgate Inn on Stocks Lane, Over Peover, was first damaged during a summer storm in August, 2011.

The Guardian has featured residents concerns in the past but this week, Audrey Lindsay, who lives close to the site in a cottage on Cheshire Row, said nothing has been done.

To make matters worse for frustrated villagers, the pub has been shut since the turn of the year.

"We've heard many reasons for leaving the hut in this state," she said.

"They have been waiting to appoint an architect, waiting to appoint a builder, waiting for planning permission, they haven't decided whether to pull down or rebuild and the need to do a bat survey.

"I read in a national newspaper that villagers in another part of the country were up in arms about a property that had fallen into disrepair and was losing the village the chance to win a coveted 'best kept village' award.

"Over Peover has won this distinction many times over the years but there is no chance we shall win it again with this eyesore in the middle of the village despite residents efforts to present an attractive environment. We live immediately opposite this eyesore, it has been our view for nearly four years."

The pub has advertised for a manager on Gumtree with the advert including the following information: "Live-in joint management couple to run attractive, unspoilt pub with small rooms and open fires, serving drink and food. Large garden and car park.

"Joint salary, excellent pension scheme, life assurance, private health cover. Well kept accommodation provided.

"£1,000 fidelity bond essential. Full training available."

When contacted by the Guardian, area manager Humphrey Smith, from Sam Smith's Brewery, said the company was looking for a 'local' couple to run the establishment but hung up when quizzed what was happening with the derelict hut.

"We want a local couple, we are very careful about who we are going to put in," he said.

But when quizzed about the condition of the site, he added: "You can do darn well what you please, it's our pub."