The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds say many of the town's residents are concerned about the Royal Hotel falling into a state of deterioration - which is why Historic England has been asked to put it on the 'At Risk' register.

Historic England has responded but explained that for the hotel to be added to the register, the local authority has to 'trigger a request' - and this has been delayed by the Covid-19 emergency.

A spokesperson for the Friends committee told Ashby Nub News: "Many Ashby residents have been getting extremely concerned at the obvious deterioration of the Royal Hotel and of the lack of information from our local planning authorities, politicians or its owners regarding its immediate and long term future.

"We felt that we could not stand by and do nothing, so decided to at least try and raise our concerns by contacting Historic England.

"We understand that the Covid-19 situation has had an impact establishing the risks to the building, but are hopeful that between them, the Council and Historic England's officers will soon be able to agree to put the building on the 'At Risk Register'."

Historic England's reply to the Friends' request was published on their Facebook page and says: "I can confirm that Historic England are aware of the deterioration of the hotel.

"I can also confirm that James White, the North West Leicestershire Conservation Officer who assessed the site in November 2019, confirmed to Historic England that he considered the site 'At Risk'.

"In response to this, a site visit with our Inspectors and Mr White was planned at the start of 2020, but unfortunately this was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As I am sure you can understand, we have not been able to reschedule a site visit due to government guidelines and health and safety measures.

"With regards to the status of The Royal Hotel, I can confirm that the site is not on the 'At Risk Register'.

"However, in order for us to put it on the 'At Risk Register' we need the local authority to trigger a request. This is something that has been delayed by Covid-19, since we are still awaiting Mr White's risk assessment for the site. I can assure you that we are now chasing this risk assessment from the local authority.

"Unfortunately, it is uncertain whether the site will be put on the 'At Risk Register' until our Inspectors have seen this assessment.

"Therefore, I cannot confirm whether the request to have it put on the register will be granted.

"I apologise that I cannot confirm whether the site will be put on the 'At Risk Register' in the future, but as I am sure you understand, the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the processes we have for putting sites on the register. I would like to stress that the vulnerable status of the site is a priority for us and we will be looking into this further.

"I thank you for your concern".

The Friends Facebook post also provides some of the background to the current state The Royal.

It reads: "The hotel had been allowed to deteriorate significantly by its present owner before it closed permanently in March 2018 and has continued to deteriorate since then.

"Regular Inspections continue to be made by the District Council's Conservation Officer whose reports highlight the extent of the deterioration and the urgent works necessary to address it.

"We are aware that the North West Leicestershire District Council Officers, in their report of November 2019, considered that the hotel is 'at risk' and is classed as in 'poor condition'."

In July, Ashby de la Zouch Town Council expressed concern at the current state of the building, described as 'fading away in front of our eyes'.

At that meeting, councillors agreed to arrange a visit to see inside the hotel.