AN ANGRY councillor is calling for enforcement action to clear up an “eyesore” pub in Manningtree’s High Street.

The historic White Hart pub closed its doors in September and plans have now been submitted to turn it into a home.

Campaigners have called for the Grade II listed building to remain as a pub and ward councillors have called for action to force the owner to tidy up the boarded-up site.

It is believed that Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General, carried out business at the historic pub in the 1640s.

Manningtree councillor Carlo Guglielmi said: “Our town is the gem of north Tendring – to have such an eyesore in the very heart of it that looks so ugly is just not on.

“If it’s not viable as a pub then surely some other sort of use as a business must be looked at.

“The last thing we want is to lose commercial space in the town centre – we don’t want this turned into homes.

“I’d like enforcement officers to ensure at the very least that the chipboard on the hoardings is painted to be in keeping with rest of building.

“The old pub signs have also been removed, but I would like to see them protected – it’s a conservation area and it is a listed building.”

“We want to entice tourists into the town – we don’t want them confront with this site.”

Tom Newman, owner of the pub, had been trying to sell the White Hart for more than 18 months, but said there had been no interest from buyers.

Plans are now due to be considered for change of use on the ground floor from pub to residential.

He added: “The boarding and work done to the outside of the building is necessary to avoid burglaries. Businesses in the area have been targeted not too long ago and it is a matter of making the site secure until the planning application is decided.”

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, added: “The council does not feel that it is appropriate to be looking to take further enforcement action while there is a still a live planning application for the White Hart to be decided.”