A DERELICT building which has attracted anti-social behaviour and fallen into disrepair has moved a step closer to undergoing improvements.

Wychavon District Council issued an important update on the urgent repair works required for The Raven Hotel in Droitwich's St Andrew's Street.

The council gave the owner of the historic building a week to confirm when repairs to the damaged roof of the building would take place on Friday, July 19.

Now, the building's owners have responded to the council and said work is set to take place on the former historic hotel.

Jayne Pickering, deputy chief executive for Wychavon District Council, said: "We have received a formal response to the letter we sent regarding urgent work required to repair damage to The Raven Hotel and improve security.

"The owner has commissioned a contractor to carry out the work who has been on the site this week to discuss the repairs we have asked for.

"We are currently waiting for a report from the builder and confirmed dates for when work will start."

The owners have also made improvements to the security of the building after reports of break-ins.

"We have received some assurances around security and the owner has instructed a company to install CCTV and alarm system.

"Discussions will continue about further boarding and fencing to secure the site."

The owner received permission in 2022 to turn the former hotel into 48 homes and a new hospitality venue, but little work has been completed on the site since.

After the Old Manor House of Wyche, along with most of the town, was destroyed in the great fire of Droitwich in about 1290, it was rebuilt in the early 16th century.

At the time it was known as St Andrew's House before it was bought in 1879 by John Corbett and opened as a hotel in 1887.