There is serious frustration over a derelict hotel which has been blighting a picturesque village for the best part of 20 years.

The Victoria Hotel in Newnham-on-Severn, which is owned by BMJ International Limited, has been closed since 2007.

And villagers have described the current state of the former 18th-century coaching inn as a “shambles” with “bits of plastic wrapped around the chimneys”.

They want to see the grade II-listed building at the southern entrance to the High Street restored.

The fencing outside the front of the building is also a bone of contention. And a report is being undertaken to establish where the highway boundary lies.

Currently, the fencing makes it awkward for bus users when walking to and from the bus stop.

Green Party Councillor Beki Hoyland (Blakeney and Bream), who represents Newnham at Gloucestershire County Council, gave an update at the parish council meeting on April 29.

“The Victoria Hotel on Newnham High Street should be a standout feature of what is a well maintained and beautiful village,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the meeting .

“Instead, it is caged by Heras fencing and in a state of neglect and disrepair and has been for many years.

“As county councillor I have been working with the parish council and highways to determine the ownership of the land between the road and the wall of the building.

“Following the recommendation from the barrister engaged for the case and using local highways funding, a specialist in land boundaries was appointed. We are waiting for his report, which is due in May.

“Once his report is complete, we’ll have a much clearer understanding of where he believes the highway boundary lies, which will help us resolve the matter.

“If the report shows it is highways land, then legal proceedings can be undertaken to remove the harris fencing. This will not affect the building itself but will be a step towards improving that part of the High street.”

Councillor Andy Moore (G, Newnham), who represents the village at the Forest of Dean District Council, gave an update from a planning perspective.

“I was told by them the case was closed,” he said during the meeting. “There were some plans which they had become aware of but not officially aware of.”

Parish council chairman Felix Bihlmeier replied saying “this thing will rumble on whether the district council likes it or not”.

While Cllr Mike Penny said: “Do try and persuade your planning officers to progress it.

“Because the guy is sitting there laughing and just putting off and putting off.

“You know, it’s 20 years and it’s a shambles.”

Cllr Moore said he did not believe that was regarded as a solution.

“However, they have not been able to find a planning issue with it, is what I was told,” he said.

But he agreed it has been a long time and said he was happy to raise the issue with the head of planning at the District Council.

Brian Bennett, the owner of BMJ International Ltd, has been approached for comment.