Ludlow Buttercross work near completion

The skyline of a south Shropshire town could be restored to its former glory within the next four weeks, following the completion of £100,000 in restoration works to a major landmark.

Work to Ludlow's historic Buttercross building is almost completed and a new dome has been built, but not yet revealed, on the clock on top of the building.

The Buttercross is owned by Ludlow Town Council and was used as council offices until last November, when it became unusable because parts of the ceiling fell in.

Repair work to the inside has not yet been undertaken.

Ludlow Town Clerk Veronica Calderbank told the town council's services committee last night: "We've had a flat topless Buttercross for a number of weeks. Now we've got a cupola up there underneath a big sheet.

"Treasures built a new one in the workshop, they dismantled it and brought it piece by piece up the stairs. They've rebuilt it on top and it's looking splendid. It's covered up for the rain and they've protected the clock."

Mildew has also been removed from the building and asbestos piping re-placed. Earlier works saw window glass replaced and restoration works done on the doors.

The start of the refurbishment was delayed by the problems with the ceiling but began in December.

The cost of work on the Buttercross rose from an initial £70,000 after it emerged that pigeon excrement had caused damage to the roof, blocking gutters and causing leaks.