Repairs on hold for Buttercross building inspection (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Repairs on hold for Buttercross building inspection

8:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in News By Adrian Kibbler

IT is going to be well into the autumn, if not longer, before Ludlow’s Buttercross can get back to its best.

A full structural inspection of the iconic town centre site – a victim of vandals earlier this summer – has to be made before any repairs get underway, and only then after English Heritage give a go-ahead.

The vandals pulled a grinding wheel from one of walls causing a crack.

The damage was thought such a risk to the site that traders had to move out and scaffolding put up to support the site.

Gina Wilding, Ludlow’s deputy town clerk, told the Advertiser this week that the inspection – by a structural engineer – would be undertaken shortly to identify issues with the building’s fabric and clear the site for repair.

However, the historic nature of the Buttercross means English Heritage will have to be consulted before any repairs can be made.

Colin Richards, Shropshire Council’s Conservation Officer, has told a meeting of Ludlow Town Council that he hoped to see the work done “as soon as possible” as the scaffolding was damaging the street scene.

The Buttercross traders, meanwhile, are being given priority when pitches fall vacant on Ludlow Market.