THE architect representing the buyer of a shut-down West Malvern pub has accepted an offer to appear at the next meeting of the parish council.

At the West Malvern Parish Council meeting on Monday, April 11, members agreed to invite Andrew Boughton of Worcester-based Boughton Butler to their meeting in May.

Mr Boughton represents the person, whose identity has not been revealed, who bought the pub last month from Punch Taverns.

A few weeks ago, he invited local residents to contact him and tell him what they wanted to see done with the site.

In recent years, the pub has proved divisive, with some championing it as a central part of Malvern's music scene, and others complaining strongly about noise and rowdiness.

Mr Boughton said: "We've certainly had a number of responses from residents and their views are certainly strong. They cover a range of positions, from diehard supporters of the Lamb as a music venue, to those who think it should be a community pub but not a music venue.

"It's too early to say what the consensus will be, and I'm still open to hear from more residents."

Mr Boughton said his buyer is sympathetic to community issues, but is seeking a solution that works on an economic level.

Mr Boughton will now be the council's guest at its annual meeting on Monday, May 9, when he will bring them up to date on the situation.

Residents are invited to write to Mr Boughton at Boughton Butler LLP, The Design Studio, 6 Sansome Walk, Worcester WR1 1LH.