A FIRE deliberately started next to a derelict historic hotel in Droitwich will not be investigated by police.

Shocked residents from across Droitwich saw smoke pouring from the rear of the Raven Hotel on St Andrews Road after a fire broke out.

The severe fire caused extensive damage to the first floor and roof space and spread to nearby conifer trees. 

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Worcester News: Fire crews putting out the fire on July 31. Fire crews putting out the fire on July 31. (Image: Cllr Bob Brooks)

However, West Mercia Police say there are currently no plans for an investigation. Officers did not attend the incident.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire had been deliberately caused and say they have provided information to the police.

Fire crews arrived just before 7pm on July 31 to put out the fire and remained on the site until 10.15pm.

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Worcester News: An orange hue could be seen from The Raven Hotel.An orange hue could be seen from The Raven Hotel. (Image: Submitted)

The two-storey building which caught on fire is on the same site but detached from the Raven Hotel and was previously used as a leisure centre.

The deteriorating hotel building, parts of which date back to the 16th century, has been empty since 2010.

The building has been subjected to numerous forms of vandalism in the past, including being dubbed with green graffiti, which lies on the front of the building. 

People have also been seen previously running across its roof. 

Worcester News: The damage caused by the fire.The damage caused by the fire. (Image: NQ)

Plans for The Raven Hotel's transformation have received the green light, and the new plans would mean the existing vandalised area would be knocked down.

The demolition of the vandalised area is scheduled for this year, but a date has not yet been confirmed. 

Wychavon District Council’s planning committee backed plans to demolish the modern extensions to the listed building to make way for 48 new homes and flats on July 21, 2022.

A gin bar and brine baths would also be created as part of the project.

At the meeting in Pershore, Cllr Bill Moy, former mayor of Droitwich and chairman of campaigners Save Our Brine Baths (SOBBs), called on the committee to approve the application “without reservation,” saying it would help “revitalise the town centre and justify the Spa element in the town’s name.”