A question mark hangs over the future of a once renowned pub where the sound of opera rang out across the English Channel.

Situated on Capel-le-Ferne’s cliffs with views of France, The Lighthouse Inn for years enjoyed a booming trade and lively singing festivals in a breathtaking setting.

But now, the once-striking 1840s building on Old Dover Road near Folkestone is visibly crumbling, having been left to the mercy of high winds, since shutting unexpectedly in 2019.

Villagers and former customers are intensifying their calls for the “eyesore” to be returned to its former glory as a community asset.

It is understood the business, which served food and also had hotel rooms, closed following a dispute with the landlord.

Explaining residents are keen to see the spot reopen, Rachel Garrett, who has lived in the village for 20 years, said: “It used to be a really nice place to go because it was a family place you could take your kids to and it had nice gardens you could sit in.

“The previous owners had a Thai chef there and it was great because it was always somewhere nice you could go to where you would see the neighbours, socialise and have some really good food.

“But then they upped their game and started doing things like opera evenings, which I am not sure was something the village wanted.”

She says if money was not an issue, she would revamp it and open it as a family pub again with holiday lets.

“People always wanted to visit here as it is beautiful,” the 54-year-old added.

“It is a real shame and I always thought we could have an internal gym with instructors who come to look after our ageing population, which I think would be a great facility.

“It is an absolute eyesore and it needs some really good investment as our concern is it could be ripped down and turned into housing.”

The Lighthouse Inn was in two parts in 1840 - the Vineyard Lodge, which was used as a wine and ale house, and Capel Lodge, where travellers would rest, according to archives.

Over the years, it had various names and was run as a home for psychiatric patients, a convalescing home and a country club.

But in February 1998, it was refurbished and opened under the new name of The Lighthouse.

Now, the site is a sad state of affairs, with weeds growing in the garden and car park, painwork left untreated and signage removed from the building.

A wall has even collapsed into a neighbouring garden and the entrance warns passersby to ‘keep out’.

Resident Martin Ingrouille, who has lived in the village for six years, says someone should be able to make a success of it as it is “such a prime spot”.

“It used to be a nice place to go, to it outside and look over the Channel,” the 67-year-old said.

“It was one of the main facilities in the village.

“They did good meals and it was quite busy. I think it is a loss for the village as there are two other pubs at either end, but it has been empty for ages.

“It is gradually declining and becoming more unloved.”

Adair Lewis, 77, says the pub was dog-friendly and the Sunday carvery “used to be excellent”.

“There was good food, company and family running it,” he said.

“We went there one Sunday for our dinner to watch the air show. But I went back a couple of days later for a drink and they said they had closed.

“It seemed it came as a shock to the couple running it.

“It is a bit of a wreck now but any building that is left like that for years will be.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, says it used to be an “active place”.

“The people working on the Channel Tunnel used to come and stay up there and it had a noisy reputation,” they said.

“Then they had two good chefs, they did good meals and it was well-run as a hotel and restaurant.

“Things are just falling to bits and it is very sad.

“Nothing has been done and it is slowly getting into disrepair.”

The Lighthouse Inn, in Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone, announced its closure in July 2019 with a Facebook post saying: "We would like to thank all our customers through the years.":

"We regret to inform you as of today The Lighthouse Inn is now permanently closed.”

It is understood the pub, which served food and also had hotel rooms, closed following a dispute with the landlord.

A second post on Facebook, shared to the Capel le Ferne Parish Council's page, explained: "Over the past 18 months landlords have have been trying to gain possession of the property.

"As from midday tomorrow there will be 24 hour on site security and concrete bollards at the entrance.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed our seven years here, have made friends and will have happy memories of The lighthouse.

"We would like to thank yourself and the villagers for your loyalty and support over the years."

This week, a spokesperson for Capel Le Ferne Parish Council says it has contacted the owner by letter and says there is “nothing else we can do”.

“It is deteriorating and there has been some work there but not anything to be able to sell it or open it to what it was initially which was a lovely restaurant and pub,” they said.

“Many of the residents feel very sad that it has been left in a state of despair.

“One appreciates we had the pandemic and that didn’t help but that is done and dusted now.”

Efforts were made to contact the owner for comment.