A VOLUNTARY group concerned with protecting the built heritage of Evesham has recognised owners of several dwellings and businesses for how they care for their properties.
The Vale of Evesham Civic Society (VECS) has awarded letters of commendation to five home and five business owners who live and operate in the town’s conservation area.
The letters especially acknowledge the efforts of new residents and businesses in Evesham for how they have maintained and improved the properties in keeping with their historic character.
One of the businesses singled out for praise was Christian Lewis Property at 86 High Street.
The Grade II-listed building was formerly home to a fishing tackle shop and had been derelict for several years, but after renovation by its owner, estate agent Christian Cloake decided to set up shop in December 2023.
Christian, has worked as an agent for 16 years and lived in the town all his life. He told the Observer he was ‘absolutely delighted’ to get recognition.
“It’s great to be here and on High Street. As someone who has grown up in Evesham, I want to be part of its history – a good local independent business that supports the town it works in.
“All towns have suffered since the pandemic and every high street is struggling with high rates and empty shops so it’s good to support Evesham because it is a fantastic town.
“We’ve got a lovely river and a great park – we should have a fantastic high street,” he emphasised.
VECS has been giving out these awards since 1981 and its chair Gill Pawson urged people to become more aware of the historic and special nature of Evesham’s built environment.
“It is vitally important that we all recognise the high quality of the town’s built heritage and do better to look after it,” she said.
“The recipients of our letters are setting an excellent example of what can and must be done because if we don’t look after our buildings better we will lose them.
“For a town of its size, Evesham has one of the largest conservation areas in the county and more than 150 listed buildings.
“I urge people to look up when walking around town and enjoy the architecture and building quality that has been left to us by our ancestors.”
Letters of commendation were also awarded to the residents of 106 to 114 High Street, the Island Fish Bar, Pink Shrimp Pilates, and Merstow Funeral Directors in Merstow Green and Hairworks at 61a Port Street.
Conservation areas exist to protect the special architectural and historic interest of an area – the features that make it unique and distinctive. It is designated by the local planning authority which in the case of Evesham is Wychavon District Council.
Evesham’s conservation area covers a significant part of the town centre streets and extends south to Bengeworth.
Click here to download information on Evesham’s conservation area.
