The owner of Herne Bay’s oldest pub is bidding to re-assure residents it will reopen - amid concerns it could be transformed into homes.

Punters were left surprised after the Ship Inn in Central Parade was suddenly shut at the beginning of the year.

A notice later appeared in the boozer’s window announcing owner Stonegate “entered the premises for the purposes of making them safe and not to bring the lease to an end”.

But with the recent demises of the Plough Inn, Bun Penny, Queen Victoria and Rodney’s Sports Bar fresh in their minds, activists joined forces to prevent the “iconic landmark” from being lost.

In a statement issued by the Save the Ship group, members explained: “Local pub users and town councillors have come together to protect the much-loved pub after it recently closed its doors.

“This historic tavern – the oldest in Herne Bay, dating back hundreds of years – is a popular and iconic landmark overlooking the beach.

“Residents fear the pub may suffer the same fate as other pubs in recent years, being converted into flats.”

The Save the Ship group is spearheaded by Conservative councillors Dan Watkins and David Thomas.

In December the business submitted a plan to refresh its exterior by installing 16 new signs along with decorative lighting.

The proposals were green-lit by the city council, just two days after the site was secured by Stonegate.

Responding to the concerns, Stonegate bosses insist they do not intend on keeping the premises locked to locals.

“We would like to reassure the Herne Bay community and Cllr Watkins that we will be reopening the pub as soon as possible,” a spokesman for the firm said.

"Residents fear the pub may suffer the same fate as other pubs in recent years, being converted into flats..."

“We are looking to invest in the external decorations, lighting and signage in the coming months to further enhance this property as we provide a pub the community can enjoy.”

Further along the seafront the plot that used to be home to the Bun Penny has been transformed into a block of flats.

The Plough Inn site in Margate Road has been turned into a five-property development, while the apartments at the Queen Victoria - which dates back to 1864 - are set to go on the market in May.

Rodney’s Sports Bar has remained closed since the start of the pandemic, as owners hope to turn it into homes.

It was put forward for inclusion in the city council’s next Local Plan, which will act as its house-building blueprint until 2040, last year.