THE CHIEF executive of Wychavon District Council has provided an update on the former Raven Hotel following an incident in which guttering and debris fell from the roof.
Vic Allison confirmed that an officer from the authority’s building control team has completed their initial assessment of the building.
“Based on what they can see, we do not believe there is any imminent risk of the building, or a significant part of it, collapsing.
“This recent incident was likely caused by an extreme weather event, which added extra stress to already fragile parts of the building and caused the guttering and other debris to fall.”
He added public safety was the council’s top priority and it was ‘taking no chances’.
So, the authority has commissioned an urgent structural survey of The Raven by independent specialists, which will be completed this week.
“It will examine all areas of the building, including parts not easily visible or that we haven’t been able to access for safety reasons.
“The findings of this survey will inform our next steps which may include formal legal action to require the owner to carry out any work needed to secure the building.
“We have had positive discussions with the owner who has indicated they will carry out whatever work is required.”
Footpath to remain closed
The pavement and one side of the carriageway outside The Raven will remain closed as a precaution, and we urge the public to stay away from the building for their safety.
Mr Allison added: “We know residents in Droitwich Spa want to see a sustainable future for the former Raven Hotel building and we share that ambition.
“The Raven is an important part of not just Droitwich Spa’s heritage but Wychavon’s story as well, being the place where our first constitution was agreed before our foundation in 1974.
“But the best option at the moment is to continue to press the current owner to move forward as fast as possible with the redevelopment plan they have planning permission for.
“That’s what we have been doing, and we’ll continue to do. We will be actively monitoring the situation.”
