AN HISTORIC lock cottage in Worcester which council chiefs say is at risk from decay is likely to be put up for sale.

The grade two-listed cottage at Diglis dock basin, one of the oldest buildings in the area, has stood empty and boarded-up for several years.

Last October the building, which dates back to about 1815, was put on Worcester City Council’s register of old buildings which are officially ‘at risk’, after officers reported it had “deteriorated significantly” since becoming unoccupied.

Now a statement released to the Worcester News by the building’s owner British Waterways – the public body in charge of the nation’s rivers and canals – states the lock cottage is likely to be sold off in the near future.

A spokesperson for British Waterways said: “Although no decision has yet been made, and we are considering all options, the likely suggestion will be to dispose of the property through auction or private sale.

“Each property is considered on an individual basis, and annually, British Waterways recommends a number of properties at waterside locations for disposal.” Members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee had made it clear last year that they want a use to be found for the building – which is located by Diglis top and bottom canal locks – before it crumbles away.

Council conservation officer Jim Blackwell told your Worcester News he hoped the building’s future would now be secured as quickly as possible.

He said: “We’re obviously keen to get this issue resolved as the building needs to be fully repaired and occupied. It’s still on the heritage risk register, because obviously it’s still in a very poor condition.”

Mr Blackwell said the council had no fixed idea of what it would like the building to be used for, but suggested some sort of tourist information facility for the Diglis area as one possible idea, along with residential development.

He said: “I just want to see the issue resolved – the options are very much open.

“There are a large array of out-buildings to the rear of the property that could be used for residential purposes. And you could retain the main building for tourist information, or other tourist possibilities.”