RESIDENTS were left with a feeling of Déjà vu after enquiring about the future of a popular listed building, currently closed.

The owner of The Raven Hotel in Droitwich has 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 (WDC) in 2015 for modern extensions at the rear of the building to be transformed into residential and commercial space.

But with no visible progress, questions were asked again during the annual meeting of the town on Monday (March 18), with some worried the building will fall into disrepair before being demolished like the Worcestershire Hotel.

Mark Heel, who has lived in the town much of his life, said the issue had been raised for the last couple of years and he is “filled with a sense of Déjà vu”.

“They’ve closed it and it’s going to be left to get into such a state, listed building or no listed building, that it falls down and is beyond repair,” he said.

Mr Heel, grandson of one of the protesters who took part in the 1910 Salt Makers’ Riot in Droitwich, said if that happens the developers will have a “get of jail free card” and it would be demolished.

Mr Heel said “a few little buds” have taken root in the structure of the listed section of the building and sprouted into proper trees, putting it in further jeopardy of disrepair.

“Can I suggest the town council puts pressure on to say, let’s at least keep it from getting any worse and find out what’s happening with it?” he said.

“That is another tourist eye candy to bring people to the town. If it goes and is replaced by yet another modern flats development, it’ll be too late for us, it’s gone.”

Vic Allison, deputy managing director of WDC, said the owners have employed security to keep an eye on the listed parts of the building, but said the council would make enquiries.

“We are aware of it and we are aware of the problems, but ultimately it is privately owned,” he added.

Greyfort Properties was not represented at the meeting and was unavailable for comment before we went to print.

READ MORE: The Raven Hotel in Droitwich will be restored as part of new development owner says