CONCERNS raised about the state of a Hereford hotel will be addressed within the next two months.

Caroline Bagley, from Three Keys Properties in Broad Street, wrote to Herefordshire Council and Historic England to voice her concerns about The Green Dragon Hotel, which is next door to her business.

She said she believed the finials at the top of the building were dangerous and could break off at any moment, which had prompted her to tell her staff not to walk on the pavement below the building.

But a spokesman for Herefordshire Council said an inspection of the building façade and decorative features above had found that the structure was safe and posed no danger to the public.

Mrs Bagley said she believed the council should step in to make sure the hotel is maintained as it is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and conservation Areas) Act 1990 for its special architectural or historic interest.

She added: "In a former life this hotel used to be a landmark for the city of Hereford, its close proximity to the cathedral drawing visitors from all over the country and beyond.

"It was substantially refurbished in the 1980s, whilst in the ownership of Trust House Forte, and it was a pleasure to dine in the high-class restaurant, and enjoy the luxuries afforded by the renowned lounge and ballroom."

Mrs Bagley said it was now disappointing to see it in a "dilapidated state."

But a Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "Herefordshire Council has powers under The Building Act 1984 to carry out immediate works if a building or structure poses a danger to the public. "However, in this instance we are aware that the owners of the Green Dragon have had the building inspected and are carrying out external repairs and paint works over the next three to eight weeks."

A spokesman for the hotel confirmed that the exterior would be painted within the next month.