A DERELICT hotel has finally been boarded up after its owners were threatened with legal action. The Raven Hotel in Droitwich was secured after Wychavon District Council and West Mercia Police gave its current owners, Inroka, an ultimatum - protect the building or face legal action. The building, which has been empty since 2010, was granted planning permission in 2022 to convert it into housing and a hospitality venue.
READ MORE: YouTube urban explorer walks through abandoned former luxury hotel FROM THE OUTSIDE: Damage to the structure can be seen from outside (Image: Urban Exploring UK) Hardly any work has begun and in recent years vandals have repeatedly targeted it. Jayne Pickering, deputy chief executive for Wychavon District Council, said: “The owner of The Raven has completed significant security works with repairs made to the roof and boarding up of windows and other access routes with the aim to prevent further vandalism. "Our officers are working with them on implementing the final security works to include CCTV and an alarm system.
" This is not the first time action has been taken to protect The Raven Hotel. In April 2023, Rajinder Singh from Inroka promised the buisness had installed security cameras and signs to stop vandals from entering the site and causing further damage . Fire crews put out the fire at The Raven Hotel in 2023.
(Image: Bob Brookes) However, almost four months later, arsonists lit a severe fire that caused extensive damage to the hotel's first floor and roof space. Six teenagers had also entered the property on July 9, 2024, and were later arrested at the Chateau Impney, another derelict hotel in Droitwich. West Mercia Police has warned the owner that more needs to be done to prevent trespassers and antisocial behaviour at the site, or they will take legal action.
Some of the building's historic parts, dating back to the 15th century, are set to be repaired, and the detailing from the original beams in the Grade II-listed section is also being restored. County councillor Richard Morris said he is extremely annoyed and frustrated by how long the development has taken. "Unfortunately, the process has been complicated and delayed due to the world situation and the ongoing viability of the project.
"We will continue to push for the earliest possible start date for the development, as this is the best way to secure the future of this iconic building." It is hoped that vandalism to the building will stop now that Inroka has taken action to secure the building..
