ACTION to stop a Herefordshire hotel 'crumbling' has been demanded as threats of enforcement action swirl.

The historic Royal Oak hotel, at the junction of Leominster's South Street and Etnam Street, has been closed for a number of years.

The three-storey Royal Oak is a Grade II-listed coaching inn thought to date from the late 18th century.

But while empty, the hotel has suffered storm damage, vandalism and general neglect, despite Jai Rai, of Rai Fashions in Madley, receiving for listed building consent to carry out repairs including to the roof and windows, to rebuild a chimney, and to fix storm damage in 2022.

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Now a Herefordshire MP has joined calls for action over the hotel after Herefordshire Council leader Jonathan Lester announced that enforcement action will be taken if clear timescales for remedial works are not forthcoming.

“The Royal Oak is too important for tourism and the look and feel of Leominster to be allowed to crumble," said North Herefordshire MP Sir Bill Wiggin.

"We need the hotel back in business to help support the tourism sector and I am delighted that Councillor Lester is insisting on more inspections by building control to help get the building back in action.

“I fully support Councillor Lester’s stance and I hope that the threat of enforcement action will finally bring about the change we all want to see.

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"Together with the Royal Oak, I hope that The Talbot Hotel will also raise its offering to tourists now that it is no longer housing asylum applicants."

Sir Bill said tourism is vitally important to north Herefordshire and its many small businesses.

"It is about time that we are able to offer visitors somewhere comfortable to stay that reflects Leominster as a welcoming town and that complements the businesses already thriving here," he said.