THE OWNER of the former Raven Hotel has been warned by Wychavon District Council and West Mercia Police to protect the building or face legal action.

The Council has given the owner one week to confirm when repairs to the damaged roof of the building will take place. 

If they do not receive an appropriate response before the deadline, they may force the owner to carry out the work.

Richard Morris, Wychavon's executive board member for economic growth and tourism, said: "For some time myself, fellow local councillors and Wychavon officers have been applying pressure to ensure the building is properly protected while we wait for development to start.

"Unfortunately, assurances we have been given to date have not been backed by action, so we have had to take this next step."

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On Tuesday, July 9, West Mercia Police responded to reports of a break-in at the building. The six teenagers involved were later arrested at the Chateau Impney, another derelict hotel in Droitwich.

West Mercia Police has warned the owner that more needs to be done to prevent trespassers and anti-social behaviour at the site or they will also take legal action.

Permission was given to the owner in 2022 for the partial demolition, repair, refurbishment and conversion of the building into a mixed-use space for housing, leisure and hospitality.

The initial plans included 48 new homes and flats alongside space for a new gin bar and brine baths.

Historic parts of the building, which date back to the 15th century, will be repaired, however, aside from detailing the original beams in the Grade II listed section of the building, very little progress has been made.

Cllr Morris added: "We have all been extremely annoyed and frustrated by how long this development has taken.

"Unfortunately, the process has been complicated and delayed due to the world situation and the ongoing viability of the project.

"We will continue to push for the earliest possible start date to the development, as this is the best way to secure the future of this iconic building."