Ludlow Buttercross repairs could start by Christmas
Work to repair Ludlow's historic Buttercross could begin before Christmas, it has been revealed.
Officials at Ludlow Town Council said a planned start date was due to be agreed 'imminently' with contractors.
The Buttercross has been closed since July, when vandals pulled down a stone wheel from the wall of the building, causing cracks to appear in the stonework.
Emergency scaffolding was set up and the area has remained cordoned off ever since, with market traders who run stalls under the building forced to relocate.
The Buttercross is one of the most notable buildings in Ludlow and has previously been used as council offices. There are plans to turn it into a heritage interpretation centre as part of a £1.9 million project to boost tourism.
Gina Wilding, acting clerk of Ludlow Town Council, said: "We can confirm that the insurance will cover the cost of the repairs to the Buttercross. We will only have to pay a £250 excess charge.
"We do not yet know when work will start but discussions are taking place and we expect a decision to be made imminently. We are certainly pushing for work to start before Christmas.
"As it is a Grade I listed building our plans have needed the approval of English Heritage, which we now have."
