RENOVATIONS on a a derelict former pub and hotel have started.

The Talbot Head Hotel in Upton upon Severn closed in 2016 and has remained boarded up and derelict until July this year.

Worcestershire county councillor Martin Allen, who represents Upton upon Severn, said: "It has been a long, hard battle for me for five and a half years, but we finally got some movement on the building from its owner.

"It was depressing people in the town and hopefully, with the exterior being tidied up, it will give some more encouragement to the owners to carry out a full renovation and get the building back open."

Work started on the building's exterior in July following instruction from Malvern Hill District Council.

A spokesperson for the council said: "I can confirm that a Section 215 Notice was issued under the Town and Country Planning Act in January 2024.

"This notice requires the front and side elevation of the property to be repaired and tidied to the satisfaction of the council.

"Such works include removing flaking paint, repairing rotten timbers, removing vegetation, and painting the external elevations.

"We are satisfied that there has been some part compliance on the front elevation of the property, however scaffolding and a temporary road closure to Court Street will be required to complete the works.

"We understand that this is due to take place in November."

There are yet to be any confirmed plans to refurbish the property's interior.

Cllr Allen said: "I have been told that it could cost around two million pounds to refurbish it internally and get it reopened.

"I heard previously that the owner's plan could be to have shops on the building's ground floor and luxury flats above them.

"That would be a good, positive plan in my opinion.

"More shops in Upton can only be a good thing, as it will bring more people here.

"And we need more accommodation here for people coming to work in the town, it's got to be a good thing."

A spokesman for the hotel declined to comment.