HEAVY rainfall has been cited as the likely cause after debris fell from a derelict former hotel.

Loose debris fell from the roof of the former Raven Hotel on St Andrew's Street, Droitwich Spa on Tuesday afternoon (September 24), causing a road closure to be put in place.

In a statement released on Facebook on Tuesday early evening, Wychavon Council said: "Guttering and debris have fallen from the former Raven Hotel building in Droitwich Spa onto the pavement.

"The area affected does not belong to the historic, protected section of the building, which is being preserved as part of the planned redevelopment.

"The most likely cause for this is the recent heavy rainfall.

"However, a full assessment by our building control team is underway to understand exactly what has happened.

Fire crews attended the incident and closed off a portion of St Andrew's Street whilst they made it safe. (Image: Paul White)

"As a precaution, the fire service has removed any other loose debris on the roof.

"The road is currently closed while our officers carry out their assessment.

"Our priority is the health and safety of the public and we are thankful nobody was hurt.

"We will update you once we have more information."

RECOMMENDED READING: Firefighters at historic former hotel which has become dilapidated

Crews from Herefordshire and Worcester Fire and Rescue removed further loose debris from the building's roof in a bid to make it safe, and a portion of St Andrew's Street remained closed while work continued.

Fire crews then handed over to a structural engineer for an assessment.

Antique & Vintage shop owner, Paul White, said: "It's not the first time something like this has happened to the building.

"They (fire crews) said they are pulling more parts of the roof down because it's dangerous."

The former Raven Hotel site has been empty since 2010, but despite being given planning permission in 2022 to be converted into housing and a hospitality venue, the building has remained derelict.

This culminated in Wychavon Council and West Mercia Police giving the much-loved building's owner, Inroka, an ultimatum to protect the building or face legal action.

Damage was caused to the building's first floor and roof after a severe fire broke out next door to it in July 2023, while less than a year earlier, graffiti was found daubed across the front of the property.