TIMELY WORKS TO PRESERVE HISTORIC BUILDINGS

Published: 07 July 2009

The Clock Tower (left) Cruck House (right)

Two of the City's best known landmark Listed Buildings, the Clock Tower and Cruck House, are currently undergoing essential planned improvement and repair works to ensure that they remain in good order.

These buildings are inspected every five years in order that any deterioration or necessary repair works can be identified and addressed. Following the last Architect's inspection various matters at both buildings were identified as in need of attention and the City Council set aside a sum to allow these works to be completed during the current financial year.

Work to both buildings is being carried out by specialist contractors Linford Bridgeman of Lichfield and will take approximately one month to complete. During this time passers-by may notice that the Clock Tower clock is not showing the correct time. The clock requires regular winding every five days but as a safety measure and for the duration of the work to the Tower the clock has been temporarily stopped.

Cruck House is a 16th century cottage in Stowe Street which is well used as a public meeting room and is an ideal venue for small local groups and societies. Although owned by the City Council the building is managed and operated by Curborough Community Association - details of Cruck House booking arrangements and charges can be obtained from Curborough Community Centre (01543 302321).

Briefly the works include:

Clock Tower

Repairs to roof, lightning conductor, rainwater pipes

Fitting steel handrails to the internal access ladders on all floors

Testing/cleaning drains and rainwater goods

Pointing of steps

Cruck House

Repairs to roof, and rainwater goods

Repairs to external rendered panels and joints and external redecoration

Sanding and resealing main hall Granwood floor

Kitchen improvements

Cleaning of external paved areas and relaying paved path to front door to remove step