Security at fire-ravaged hotel to be stepped up

Wychavon District Council said the fire service gave back control of the building to the owners on Friday

Security will be tightened at the site of a Grade II listed hotel after it was gutted by fire.

The blaze, believed by police to have been deliberately started, tore through the black and white timbered Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, on Sunday, causing parts of the centuries-old building to collapse.

Wychavon District Council said that the owner, Live Urban Two, would bring in enhanced security at the site, including a dog handler.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Service formally handed control of the site to the owner and the developer, Inroka Limited, on Friday.

The authority said it would monitor the additional security measures.

Emergency services were called to the blaze at the hotel at about 16:45 BST on 10 August and residents gathered in tears behind cordons as they watched the building, some of which dated back to the 15th Century, burn.

Two girls, 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of arson and were later released on bail.

Experts believe part of the building could be saved, the district council said

The Raven shut as a hotel more than a decade ago and has planning permission for new homes and a gin bar - but concerns have previously been raised over its condition, vandalism and trespassing at the site.

The district council has been pushing the owners to get on with their development.

The authority has also worked with the site's developer for the past six months on urgent works to protect the site, following a court order secured in 2024.

'We will keep pressure on owners'

Structural engineers confirmed that parts of the listed building could be saved.

A council spokesperson said work would now focus on agreeing the priorities for safety at the site, measures to prop parts of the building up and make sure that planning conditions were met, before significant work took place.

Access issues at the back of the building were being addressed and the spokesperson said the authority would monitor the effect of the fire, working with partners to support businesses affected by the blaze.

They added that the UK Health Security Agency told them that asbestos was present in the hotel but its assessment of the fire and resulting air quality did not identify any significant public health concerns.

"I want to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can, alongside our partners, to safeguard what remains of this important landmark, ensure the safety of the site, and support the process of rebuilding," said councillor Richard Morris, leader of the council.

"We will continue to keep pressure on the owners to fulfil their responsibilities and deliver on their obligations."