Future of Ludlow Buttercross to be discussed

The future of a Shropshire landmark that has just undergone a £100,000 refurbishment will be up for discussion next month.

External work at the Buttercross in Ludlow, the town's former council offices, has been largely completed and now a report is to go to town councillors.

Ludlow Town Council moved out of the building in November 2009 after plaster fell from the ceiling. In its winter newsletter, the council reported more plaster had come down.

It was decided to complete external refurbishment before beginning work to the inside of the building. The start of the refurbishment was delayed by the problems with the ceiling but began in December 2009.

The cost rose from an initial £70,000 after it emerged pigeon excrement had damaged the roof, blocking gutters and causing leaks.

The dome, clock face and weather vane have all been restored as part of the work which received a grant from English Heritage.

Ludlow Mayor Councillor John Aitken said: "With all the activity on the roof and the fact that the ceiling inside is a bit weak, there have been further falls.

"They are not dramatic but they further justify the move away from the Buttercross. The town clerk is in discussions about the future use of the Buttercross."