Following an initiative from local councillors and a petition signed by Lichfield’s MP, Michael Fabricant has now intervened and written to Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture Media & Sport to ask that the façade of the decommissioned Lichfield Victoria Hospital be listed.

Michael says: "English Heritage surprisingly said that the Lichfield Victoria Hospital has little architectural merit. I disagree. The façade of the hospital is a major and attractive landmark in Lichfield facing, as it does, our clock tower and bowling green. It is worth preserving.

"If it were demolished and replaced with a series of small homes or flats, it would destroy the character of The Friary and its immediate environs. I have asked Tessa Jowell to look again at this short sighted decision. I hope that she will initiate a review and then reverse the previous decision leading to the preservation of this important part of Lichfield’s recent history. There would then be no reason why much needed homes could be constructed behind the Vic’s frontage.

"I expect to hear back from ministers in the next month or two."