AN empty shop in Malvern has been branded an "eyesore" after its previous owners moved on.

The shop in Malvern Link, which used to be occupied by Amaze until it moved into the centre of the town, has had silver spraypaint and bags left outside.

There is no suggestion the owners of Amaze are responsible, but the site has been called an eyesore by residents.

One told the Gazette: "The shop premises in Malvern Link which were recently vacated by the Amaze store, prior to its removal to Belle Vue Terrace, are a complete eyesore.

"Something needs to be done to return the empty premises to a state which is more suited to a residential area, particularly as it faces the main approach to Malvern on the Worcester Road."

Enforcement for issues like this is usually handled by the police, but Malvern Hills District Council said it is prepared to work with whoever currently owns the site to clear up.

A spokesperson said: "We have not had any reports or complaints about this.

"As it is private property, we would expect a report of this nature to be taken to the police.

"We would be happy to liaise with the property owner to provide support with removal."

The shop was occupied until earlier this year by Amaze, the charity shop which moved to Belle Vue in the centre of Malvern this summer.

Roger Sutton, from High Street Malvern, said more should be done to keep businesses and buildings in the town attractive to visitors.

He said: "The State of the Town has been high on the agenda of both HSM and the Civic Society for some time.

"A detailed photographic report was issued five years ago but, in spite of repeated reminders, it has failed to gain traction.

"It highlighted eighty five instances of shabby shop fronts, uneven pavements and neglect.

"Successful towns such as Stow, Camden or Winchcombe attach significant importance to the visitor experience and one reason why Malvern falls short is that there is no political will to improve the situation."