Grant boosts restoration at former Telford school house
The group renovating an historic school house have spoken of their delight after being given a funding boost of nearly £10,000 to help with restoration work.
The Gower Heritage and Enterprise group has been given an award of £9,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for work on the Gower School House in St Georges, Telford.
It comes after the building was targeted by thieves who stole a small patch of lead from the roof of the building after scaffolding was put up to mark the first stage of building works to restore it to its former glory.
The Gower Street Youth Club in Telford used to be run by Telford & Wrekin Council. The building closed 10 years ago after it was found to contain asbestos. After years of falling into decay, it was due to be demolished to make way for houses, but a concerted campaign by the Gower Street Heritage and Enterprise group saw it granted a reprieve.
Now the group is determined to return the building to the community, potentially building a cafe inside the building and turning it into a centre for local history.
The building is one of the best preserved examples of a Victorian building of its kind and has been granted Grade II-listed status.
Chairman of the group, Robert Grice, said: "We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund in supporting the Gower Heritage and Enterprise Group to lead this project on behalf of the community."
Councillor Richard Overton, ward member for St Georges, said "I am delighted to learn that the Gower Heritage and Enterprise Group has been successful in obtaining support from the Heritage Lottery and we are committed to working with them to bring about this iconic project."
Members will celebrate the money with a presentation evening at the Bell and Bails on December 5. See www.gowerheritageandenterprise.com
