ALTHOUGH Upton has stayed opened for business during the recent bad weather, its renowned Pepperpot has been damaged by the wind and rain.

After being battered by the conditions a piece of masonry has fallen from the side of the Pepperpot- near the staff entrance to the building which now acts as a heritage centre.

A protective canopy has been erected, for safety reasons, and work to repair the damage got underway today (Tuesday).

Malvern Hills District Council, which is behind the restoration work, confirmed the damage was caused by weather.

Sandra Hudson, estates and facilities manager for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Following the adverse weather we have been having recently it has been brought to our attention a piece of masonry has fallen from the Pepperpot on the side of the building where the staff entrance is located.

"Following an assessment by our health and safety team we have evaluated the risk and it has been decided to put up a protective canopy on that side of the building as a precaution to protect staff and others using that may need to use that entrance."

The main visitor entrance to the heritage centre is unaffected, as is the Tourist Information Centre which stands next to the Pepperpot.

The Tourist Information Centre was unavailable for comment.

The Pepperpot is a copper clad cuppola and remnant of a former church.

Its clock is currently undergoing maintenance work too, but is expected to be fixed and replaced in the coming weeks.