URGENT repairs are to be carried out on a landmark historic Herefordshire building. 

The stone window surrounds of the grade II listed Ross-on-Wye market building have been found to be so badly eroded that there is a serious risk of the glass falling out, meaning the windows would have to be boarded up if there is no extensive conservation work carried out.

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A Ross-on-Wye Town Council spokesperson said: “This would severely restrict use of the building, jeopardising its future, and harming the character of the town.”

In response, Ross-on-Wye Town Council has been awarded a £112,780 grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out urgent repairs which are needed to restore and protect the ancient building.

It is expected the works will start in the spring of 2024, with a final completion date to be approximately during November of the same year.

The work will not only be for conservation and restoration repairs to the fabric of the building, there are also a number of legacy projects planned, including new interpretation boards to tell the story of the market house and its wider historical context.

Town clerk Sarah Robson said: “We are delighted to have received this support thanks to the National Lottery players and are pleased the project will offer the opportunity to conserve this magnificent building.

"The market house is such an iconic landmark within the town and it’s exciting to know that the restoration will enable residents and visitors alike to continue to enjoy it for many decades to come.”