FOUR tons of plaster will be put onto ceilings at The Buttercross in Ludlow.

It is happening as part of a race against time to convert the original butter market and most recently Town Council offices into a heritage interpretation centre.

But because of the buildings historic character and listed status it is a special lime plaster that has to be applied.

Other work going on includes improving the electrics, plumbing and heating systems. All of this is being dome against the clock as it has to be completed before the deadline runs out on the money available from Shropshire Council through the Market Towns Revitalisation programme.

When the job is complete the Buttercross will once again become a public building with the first floor turned into a heritage centre telling the story of the town’s past.

The project has had to be extended because of the need to get the approval of English Heritage for a number of changes including the installation of a platform lift to enable people with mobility problems to get to the first floor.

However, the open area on the ground floor will remain a covered market although some trading space will be lost to make way for the lift.

An earlier plan to use ‘glass’ doors to close off the market area in the evening to protect it from anti-social behaviour will not go ahead.

Part of the Buttercross will continue to be leased to Bensons Jewellers.