Residents' anger as derelict Rough Close pub site is plagued by vandals

RESIDENTS are calling for action over anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping at a derelict pub.

Families living near the George and Dragon have suffered problems since the closure of the popular Rough Close pub in 2009.

Planning permission was later granted to build seven houses on the site. But the building work was never carried out and new owners Milwood Ltd, of Stoke-on-Trent, have now taken on the site.

The residents want Staffordshire Police and Stafford Borough Council to take action over the eyesore land.

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Jill Probyn, aged 51, who has lived next to the pub in Leadendale Lane for 16 years, said: "Only last week we called the police because there were two men swinging gas canisters around behind the pub.

"I was having dinner with my sister when we heard loud banging coming from outside.

"We were on the phone for about half-an-hour to the police but the men drove off before the police could arrive.

"I've had my car slashed with a Stanley knife, paint thrown over my neighbour's car and people walking through the back of my garden after jumping over the fence from the pub.

"There was an attempted suicide in the car park around 18 months ago as well as a fire at the pub and people shooting BB guns.

"Last week I was walking my dog past the pub and she sniffed out a crack pipe lying on the ground.

"We have reported these incidents to the police and the council, but nothing much has been done to my knowledge.

"You expect to see rats and mice living in the countryside, but I'd never seen one until all the rubbish started building up next door."

The residents have also reported the problems to Fulford Parish Council.

Derek Harrison, who also lives in Leadendale Lane, said: "The place is an utter mess and has been for a good while. It's very dangerous for Jill.

"The mess bothers everyone on the lane but she lives next door so she has the worst of it.

"The windows are smashed in, people leave rubbish around the back and there are always people taking drugs round there.

"My neighbour had paint thrown over his car. It's not what you expect in such a nice country village."

Hundreds of villagers fought the plans to knock down the 175-year-old pub.

They raised concerns over traffic levels, too many houses and the pressure on school places.

Stafford Borough Council today confirmed it is investigating the residents' complaints.

A police spokesman said: "Our local officers are aware of the concerns raised."