EMERGENCY repairs to safeguard the former Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa are almost complete.
Wychavon stepped in to protect the building in late December last year. The move followed the owner, Live Urban Two, missing a court deadline to carry out urgent work.
Since then, scaffolding and netting have been installed to stop debris from falling onto the road or path below. Propping has also been placed inside the building to prevent any collapse inside.
Work on the roof was delayed while an asbestos survey was carried out. This has confirmed the substance is present in the area where repairs are needed.
Specialist arrangements are being made with contractors so they can do the work safely. This is expected to start in the next few weeks. The cost of the scaffolding and emergency repairs will be charged to the owner.
Jayne Pickering, Wychavon’s deputy chief executive, said: “Once work to the roof has been completed, we will have fulfilled the requirements of the court order.
“We continue to push for the redevelopment of the site to begin as soon as possible. We have received assurances the developer remains committed to the project and will work with our team to safeguard this important part of Droitwich Spa’s heritage.”
A web page has been created at www.wychavon.gov.uk/raven to keep residents updated with the latest developments.
Signs with the page link and a QR code for people to scan have been installed on the scaffolding.
