People in a Herefordshire town have had their say on a revamp for a hotel that they say is "falling apart" and has become an "eyesore".

The three-storey Royal Oak Hotel, in Leominster, has been empty and neglected for several years, Herefordshire Council planners have been told.

Locals are backing the plans to revamp the hotel, a grade-II listed coaching inn thought to date from the late 18th century, which is a blight on the town centre.

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The plans for the building, submitted in August and awaiting approval, include a new bid for listed building consent to renovate the roof and windows, and carry out external repairs and internal refurbishment.

Dorothy Lloyd said she was backing the bid for the hotel, at the junction of South Street and Etnam Street, as it would stop the building being an embarrassment to the town.

She said: "I wish to express my wholehearted support for this huge undertaking.

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"As a life-long resident of Leominster, I have watched this once grand old building, basically fall apart.

"It has become an absolute eyesore and an embarrassment to the town and it is work that is long overdue."

Andrew Parsons said that despite being a in a prominent position it had become an eyesore and needed help.

He said that it was good that plans were in place to rectify the situation and that it would go well with the town's High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ).

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