Frustrated residents say two derelict pubs are “attracting the wrong kind of people” as plans to transform both sites are yet to progress.

The former Royal Standard and Two Bells in Canterbury Road, Folkestone, have been closed for years and continue to be blighted by vandalism.

While planning permission to turn the Royal Standard into three houses was approved in 2020, the project was only half-completed and the site, which closed in 2018, is now on the market for £175,000.

It comes as plans to redevelop the former Two Bells site into 12 flats are yet to be approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

The former inn, which dates back to 1841, has been closed since 2005 and will be demolished if the scheme is approved.

But the lack of movement has left those living nearby calling for work to get underway to revive the fortunes of the sites, which both sit on the junction of Bridge Street and Canterbury Road.

Wendy Brown, who has recently moved to the area, says the potential sale of the Royal Standard “is good but it’s a big if”.

“I think there is a better use for it, maybe knocking either down and making it a car park for residents,” she said.

“Just something that can actually benefit us rather than cause trouble.”

Pauline Cramp, a resident of 12 years, added: “It makes me feel unsafe in my home, I’m always calling the police as kids are breaking in.

“This road is so quiet, but it attracts the wrong kind of people – an eyesore is the only way you really describe it.”

Papers detailing efforts to revamp the former Two Bells were lodged with FHDC in April 2023, with the authority saying this week it is still considering the application but could not offer any details as to when it could be approved.

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The proposals, which are the fifth attempt to redevelop the plot in 20 years, divided opinion when first unveiled by applicant John Cullum.

The owner of the nearby Little Fish And Chips shop, Hassan Bingol, hoped it would be a breath of fresh air but parking was flagged as a concern by resident Sharon Lee.

Meanwhile, Motis Estate’s Kris Foster, who is selling the former Royal Standard, said this week that interest in the site has been encouraging.

“We have been asked by the current owners to market the property and we have analysed the value of the three houses once finished will be a combined figure of approximately £650,000 to £700,000,” he said.

“Interest has been strong over the first 48 hours of marketing and we hope the development will recommence with a new developer in the upcoming months and bring three new houses to the market in east Folkestone.”