CONCERNS have been raised about a "neglected" pub which is boarded-up and "uncared for".

Ross-on-Wye resident Joyce Thomas asked what was being done about The Riverside Inn in Wye Street, which has been left empty for many years.

Speaking at a Ross Town Council meeting she said: "It really is in an appalling condition. It is in a dilapidated state, it has been vandalised. People live in it, I believe.

"There is a broken window. It is currently boarded up. It has been uncared for for years.

"This was once a very desirable restaurant in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the first dwelling that tourists see as they enter Wye Street from Wilton Bridge.

"There is the beautiful River Wye overshadowed by this very bad, neglected property. Why hasn't it been sorted out?

"I am not saying it is your fault but we are all part of this."

She said she knows the town council is unable to issue enforcement notices but she said there are four county councillors on the town council.

Caroline Utting, chairwoman of the town's planning committee, said: "I agree with you wholeheartedly and everything you have said about the Riverside Inn."

She said the planning committee has contacted Herefordshire Council planning department about it.

Coun Richard Mayo said it had been the subject of some enforcement already to remove rubbish from outside.

He said: "If there is anything that can be done then we will support it."

The owner has had two planning applications refused. The first was to turn the pub into homes and the second was to retain the pub but also build one two-bed home and two three-bed homes.