THE historic Buttercross that is now home the town’s museum has been recognised as an example of conservation success.

Ludlow Town Council has received a second award for the heritage conservation work carried out at the Grade I listed Buttercross in Ludlow’s town centre.

In June 2017, Ludlow Conservation Area Advisory Committee recognised the exemplary work undertaken to conserve the architectural heritage of the Buttercross, and in January 2018, the Buttercross has received a Design and Conservation Award from Shropshire Council in recognition of the skill and craftsmanship of Stuart Preece, who restored the lime plaster ceiling.

Restoration of the Buttercross was part of a project that gave a new use to a Grade I listed public building that was previously on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register.

“The inaugural Shropshire Design and Conservation awards for 2017 encourage and recognise sustainable and high quality developments which promote investment in the county’s built environment, whilst protecting and enhancing the features that make it distinctive,” said Ian Kirby, Planning Services Manager at Shropshire Council.

Colin Sheward, Deputy Mayor of Ludlow accepted the award on behalf of the Town Council.

“The award celebrates the exemplary lime plaster work of Stuart Preece and also the team work of Town Councillors, Town Clerk Gina Wilding, and Conservation Architect Philip Belchere, who all guided the project to a successful conclusion,” he said.

As well as being a museum the Buttercross also staged events that relate to the history of the town when a guest speaker talks on a topic of interest.