SIGNIFICANT conservation work on a town’s historic landmark is set to begin this month.

A survey of Barnard Castle Market Cross last May found that although the Grade I listed building was in reasonable condition, a number of repairs and renovations were needed to ensure it remains structurally sound.

Lewis Surveying Associates has been appointed as project manager, while Barnard Castle stonemasons Glasper Tunstall will undertake the repairs, including roof works, improvements to the windows, timber and joinery works. Floor repairs and redecoration of the weather vane will also be carried out.

Equipment is expected to arrive on site next Thursday, and three-way lights will be in place for three hours on Saturday, March 31. On Thursday, April 5, three-way lights will again be in place for six days and for a further five days when the scaffold comes down. The work should take eight weeks.

The survey was funded by Durham County Council, Teesdale Area Action Partnership and Barnard Castle Town Council.

Councillor Carl Marshall, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The Market Cross is an iconic structure within both Barnard Castle and the wider county and it is important we carry out these vital works to keep it safe for the future.

“We know there may be some slight disruption to journeys while these improvements are taking place and we would like to thank motorists for their patience while these are carried out.”