CONCERNS are again being raised about the future of a popular listed building, after a section of its roof appeared to be missing.

But it now seems this is in fact work being carried out on the Raven Hotel by new owners.

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In the closed Pictorial Droitwich Spa Facebook group a picture was posted of part of the roof missing. A concerned resident speculated: “Could this be an attempt to make the interior damaged beyond repair so there is no choice but to demolish the building, which I would guess be cheaper than a restoration.”

At the annual meeting of the town held last March residents voiced the same worries, that the building will fall into disrepair before being demolished like the Worcestershire Hotel, which was demolished to make way for apartments after lying empty for decades.

Previous owners of The Raven Hotel have previously reassured townsfolk that the 17th Century building would be restored back to its former glory.

Greyfort Properties was granted planning permission by Wychavon District Council in 2015 for modern extensions at the rear of the building to be transformed into residential and commercial space.

And on Wychavon District Council’s planning portal the last application listed is from Comparo Ltd that was granted permission last year for a mixed use redevelopment of the hotel and its grounds including 51 dwellings.

This paper understands the building is now owned by a company called Malvern Homes, but attempts to contact the firm have been unsuccessful.

Alex Sinton, Droitwich East councillor on Wychavon District Council, said: “Quite rightly residents are concerned - the Raven is an iconic building, and we are monitoring the situation closely.

"We understand the hotel has new owners, and actually they are working on the roof."

A change.org Save the Raven petition was set up earlier this week has already been signed by nearly 800 people.

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The petition says: “We request guarantee, with a full statement, a commitment to restoring and developing the building with details on how this will be achieved and to include a full timeline.

"Provide monthly updates on the progress of restoring and developing the building.

"If Malvern Homes Ltd fails to maintain the update of the building, the council should proceed with a repairs notice and if necessary, compulsory purchase order."