HUNDREDS of villagers outraged by the dilapidated state of a once-popular Isle of Wight pub — destroyed by vandals and rife with vermin — have signed a petition asking for action to be taken against the eyesore's owners.

The Worsley, on St John's Road in Wroxall, has been left to wrack and ruin since it was last occupied precisely ten years ago.

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Vandals have targeted the site — smashing windows and spraying graffiti, while opportunist thieves have ripped up floorboards and made off with them in the dead of night.

Isle of Wight County Press: Smashed windows and graffiti are unsightly features of The Worsley public house site, now derelict, in Wroxall. Smashed windows and graffiti are unsightly features of The Worsley public house site, now derelict, in Wroxall. (Image: Jon Moreno)

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It has even led to a problem with rats being seen by residents living near The Worsley — and those waiting at an adjacent bus stop.

Being so open to the elements all year round has affected the integrity of much of the historic building — once a vicarage — making it dangerous, with concerns youngsters are entering the site.

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One resident said he was aware of a homeless person living on the site for several weeks before he was 'moved on'.

Featured in the March 17 edition of the County Press as one of the Island's worst eyesores, 'then and now' pictures of The Worsley angered Wroxall residents Loraine Parsons and Anne Rendell into action to start a petition.

Isle of Wight County Press: The former Worsley pub in Wroxall, now a sorry sight.The former Worsley pub in Wroxall, now a sorry sight. (Image: Jon Moreno)

Isle of Wight County Press: Wroxall residents Loraine Parsons and Anne Rendell, who launched the petition to try to get the support of Island MP Bob Seely to get the site sorted. Wroxall residents Loraine Parsons and Anne Rendell, who launched the petition to try to get the support of Island MP Bob Seely to get the site sorted. (Image: Jon Moreno)

Around the village, helped by other volunteers, they gathered more than 350 supporters of it.

Entitled 'Health hazard - the former Worsley public house', the petition urges Island MP Bob Seely to get the law changed to ensure any site awaiting planning permission to be developed, be left "tidy and respectable to the eye".

Mrs Parsons, of Coombe Park, said: "This pub, in the centre of the village, has been empty for years, has been vandalised and is unsightly.

"I saw someone smashing the windows, then graffiti was painted over the front.

Isle of Wight County Press: Standing derelict, The Worsley has had planning for five houses since 2019 and there had been other planning permissions granted before that, which came to nothing.Standing derelict, The Worsley has had planning for five houses since 2019 and there had been other planning permissions granted before that, which came to nothing. (Image: Jon Moreno)

Isle of Wight County Press: Graffiti is sprayed all over one The Worsley's walls at its frontage.Graffiti is sprayed all over one The Worsley's walls at its frontage. (Image: Jon Moreno)

"Also, the rear of the building is riddled with rats. They have overtaken the back of the site and are impeding into neighbours' gardens.

"I know one lady who cannot use her garden because of rats. She's terrified of them. It continues to be a health hazard.

"What on earth would tourists — and even prospective house buyers — think if they drove through the village and saw that mess? I'd probably drive on!" 

Island councillor for Wroxall, Rodney Downer, said it is a complicated issue that had driven him "potty" for years — but he assured complainants he would get onto Island planners about it after taking a copy of the petition to show them.

Cllr Paul Fuller, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for planning, reacted by agreeing to attend the next Wroxall Parish Council meeting, on Monday, June 12, to update residents on The Worsley planning application.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm in Stenbury Hall.