A MAJOR project to save historic buildings in the heart of Ledbury was spotlighted in the Gazette and Reporter 25 years ago.

"The Rutherglen renovation project, involving the conversion of four historically important buildings which were saved from demolition by the direct intervention of the townsfolk of Ledbury, is nearing completion.

"The whole project takes its name from Rutherglen, which dates from 1740 and was built as the home of the headmaster of the town's former grammar school in Church Lane.

"The group of buildings, on which renovation work began early in the summer last year, is situated at the parish church end of Church Lane and Church Street.

"The three other properties in the group comprise the town's long-disused magistrates court complex, Ledbury's oldest police house which is still referred to by some older Ledburians as the sergeant's house, and an adjoining cottage.

"In recent weeks the scaffolding which has concealed the project's facade for several months has started to be taken down, along with the covering of protective netting which further obscured the exterior.

"And outwardly the restoration appears almost complete, although detail finishing and interior refurbishment will not be completed before the new year."

The overall cost of the restoration was estimated as about £360,000 by the County of Hereford and Worcester Building Preservation Trust, which organised the work.

And trust chairman Ken Shawyer emphasised that the success of the scheme was due to the people of Ledbury.

He said: "It is they who have saved this historic complex from demolition, following the public inquiry which resulted in its reprieve."