THE MAYOR of Evesham has hailed the importance of preserving the town’s heritage after £50,000 was handed over to the Bell Tower Appeal.
Coun Fred Kaler spoke after New Homes Bonus funding of £50,000 was put towards the restoration of Evesham’s iconic Bell Tower.
Wychavon District Council awarded the money to Evesham Town Council after they recently submitted a proposal for the project.
The town’s historic tower is a Grade I listed building – one of the few detached bell towers in England of late medieval structure – and is currently surrounded by scaffolding whilst essential repair and restoration work is carried out from plinth to pinnacle.
The last restoration and conservation work to the Bell Tower was carried out more than 60 years ago but weathering has taken its toll on the monument, which is now placed on the English Heritage ‘at risk’ register.
Coun Kaler said: “The Bell Tower is a symbol of local pride as well as a key attraction to visitors to the town, and getting people to visit, shop, stay and come back again is vital to the town’s future prosperity.
“How we preserve our heritage also sends out a powerful message to everyone and shows how much we love our town.”
Coun Audrey Steel, chairman of the localism and community funding advisory panel, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to support Evesham Town Council with this New Homes Bonus funding.
“The conservation of the Bell Tower will help preserve Evesham’s heritage for the benefit of people today and future generations.”
Visit www.eveshambelltower.org.uk for the latest news, photos and videos as to how the restoration work on the Bell Tower is progressing.