Work begins on vandalised listed building

Parts of the Grade II listed former Raven Hotel date back to the 16th Century

Work has begun on a historical former hotel after its owner was threatened with legal action.

Contractors boarded up the smashed windows, repaired damage to the roof, and blocked off access to deter any trespassers to the Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa on St Andrew's Street.

The Grade II listed building was closed for more than a decade and has received planning permission to be developed into new homes.

Wychavon District Council welcomed the progress, describing it as a "step in the right direction", but some locals are sceptical the development will be completed.

Last month the council issued a seven day notice period to the owner to confirm when work would be carried out.

Councillor Daniel Birch said he understood people's frustration at how lengthy the process had been to commence the development.

He said: "We can't sit here and clap our hands and say we've done an amazing job because I know there is a lot of people who are disappointed it's taken this long to move to this stage.

"But it does show Wychavon that we do care about this project," he said.

The building was at the centre of public concern in July over vandalism with thieves removing roof tiles and painting graffiti on the site.

One local told BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester the building was "lowering the standard" of Droitwich.

"Once they've boarded it up there will just be graffiti on the boards, it's going to look terrible again," they said.

LPW Development said demolition work was expected to start before the end of the year.