A £40,000 restoration project for a town's historic landmark is nearing completion.

Scaffolding has blocked the view of Grey Friars Tower in Richmond for the past few weeks, as contractors replaced crumbling masonry which may have been a danger to passers-by.

But it has also been a race against time, as the cash to cover the cost came largely from Brussels - and the district council would only qualify for the grant if it could spend it before the end of the year 2000.

The money was originally earmarked for a new access for the disabled into the neighbouring Friary Gardens.

However, that project was shelved when it was discovered important archaeological remains could lie beneath the ground.

A survey carried out this month unearthed substantial remains only a few feet from the surface of the cloisters of the old ruin.

Much of the scaffolding is now down and only work on the lower part of the historic remains is still to be completed.

When the workmen leave, the public should have full access to the tower, with a new footpath planned beneath.