Works to restore kiln complete

Smoke will soon be rising from a lime kiln near Oswestry for the first time in more than 100 years.

Major building works to restore and conserve the historic Limeworks at Llanymynech have now been completed.

The end of the work will be officially commemorated on Wednesday in a ceremony led by Shropshire County Councillor Barbara Craig, cabinet member for community services.

She said: “For the first time in over a hundred years smoke will emerge from the chimney to the Hoffmann Kiln to celebrate its new life.

“The kiln is one of only three such lime-burning kilns in the UK and unique in still having its chimney intact.”

A partnership, administered by Shropshire County Council, included Shropshire and Montgomery Wildlife Trusts, British Waterways, Oswestry Borough Council and local people and community organisations, has overseen a £900,000 restoration and conservation programme.

Work started in 2006 and has been supported by a number of funding organisations.

Councillor Craig said: “We are delighted with this project which has restored a fascinating part of Shropshire’s industrial past.

“The whole site with the backdrop of the Llanymynech rocks now provides a fantastic educational resource and visitor attraction.”