FRIENDS rallied round when one of Hereford's architectural aristocrats fell on hard times.

Two years and 'umpteen' letters later, Churchill House will soon be able to show off its improved look

A much-needed makeover of the former museum gets underway this week.

But the legacy that went with it stays in limbo. There are no plans to put the paintings of Brian Hatton back at the on-site gallery that bears his name once the work is complete in about two months time.

The fate of The Hatton Collection - 900 works in semi-permanent storage - remains a long-term concern for the alliance of artistic and antiquarian interests that is Save Churchill House (SCH).

For now, it is enough to see scaffolding up says SCH stalwart Jean O'Donnell.

Behind that scaffolding Hereford-based contractor Beavan and Hodges will repair rendering, external decoration, gutters, downpipes, windows and doors - supervised by Herefordshire Council's property services section.

Regarded as run down and far from cost effective, Churchill House Museum was closed by the council last year and its exhibits, including an envied costume collection, were transferred to a purpose-built heritage store where they come out as 'occasionals' or by invitation only.