Scaffolding at Norwich’s Guildhall expected down in a month

Scaffolding that has been up around one of Norwich's most historic buildings since 2009 is expected to be taken down in a month.

The 15th century listed Guildhall, in Gaol Hill, has been covered in scaffolding as past of a �130,000 revamp of the Victorian clock tower.

The work at the city centre building was due to be completed last November, but it turned out to be more complicated than originally thought, causing delays and the bill to the council to increase.

Now the final touches are being made before the scaffolding is taken down.

A spokesperson for Norwich City Council said: 'The scaffolding erected to carry out the repair programme has allowed us to take a closer look at the stonework and the east facade of the building.

'We have decided to carry out a small amount of additional repairs while we still have the scaffolding there.'

They added that the scaffolding is likely to be taken down in about a month.

The work initially started in July last year, but it had to be extended when it was discovered that the whole of the clock tower had to be removed stone by stone.

The stone removal and rebuilding proposals had to be agreed with English Heritage, while some of the damaged stonework has been repaired in the stonemason's yard.

It was revealed earlier this year that the bill to the council had increased to �200,000 but council leaders said at the time it was important the work was done properly to safeguard it for future generations.

Are you fighting to protect a part of Norwich's heritage? Contact reporter Richard Wood on 01603 772423.