Ludlow museum given heritage award

Ludlow's Conservation Area advisory committee has presented the award for the Museum at the Buttercross, which opened last summer in the upper floor of the historic town centre building at the top of Broad Street, thanks to the efforts of Ludlow Town Council.

The award is the council's work to conserve Ludlow’s architectural heritage, keeping a building built for a public purpose in a public use, and helping Ludlow to retain one of the country’s first local museums, opened in 1833.

Displays were moved from previous museum space at Ludlow Assembly Rooms, though new ones were also created especially for the overhauled Buttercross venue.

James Caird, chairman of of the advisory committee, said: "Finding viable futures for buildings with public functions is becoming increasingly difficult in the present financial climate.

"The project was judged to be exemplary in terms of preserving and enhancing the character of the Ludlow Conservation Area and the advisory committee applauded the town council for converting this landmark Grade I listed building into a museum."

Colin Sheward, deputy mayor of Ludlow, accepted the award on behalf of the town council.

He said: "It was a very pleasant duty to receive the award, and to know that the museum has achieved much success since opening in August last year."

Councillor Glenn Ginger also attended the awards and said: "The award celebrates the work of the town council, town clerk Gina Wilding, conservation architect Philip Belchere, structural engineer Bob Johnson and the exemplary lime plaster work of Stuart Preece."

Ms Wilding, who was at a Society of Local Council Clerks conference when she heard news, added: "The award is a source of pride for the new council and the previous council.

"Shropshire Council supported the refurbishment of the Buttercross with £120,000 of Market Town Revitalisation Programme funding, and have contributed a three year grant and professional support for the museum."

Mayor of Ludlow Tim Gill said: "Ludlow Town Council welcomes further opportunities to work in partnership with Shropshire Council to achieve great outcomes for Ludlow, however, both organisation must contribute resources to make the partnership successful."