‘Significant’ conservation works start

Scaffolding has been installed and a footpath is closed in Bury St Edmunds while a significant heritage project gets under way.

Some conservation work has already been carried out on the Abbey Ruins over recent months.  Now, scaffolding has been put up around the Abbey wall, in Mustow Street, in preparation for extensive English Heritage works. The organisation confirmed the scaffolding would remain in place over the summer, ‘marking the beginning of a significant conservation initiative at the historic Abbey’.

An English Heritage spokesperson said: “This initial phase focuses on essential repairs and conservation of the flint walls and Gatehouse. It forms part of a wider, long-term vision under the ‘Abbey of St Edmund, Reborn’ project, delivered in partnership with the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership. ”

The work will be carried out over the next two years, with the main conservation activity scheduled between April and November each year.

“This vital project represents a key step in safeguarding the Abbey’s heritage for future generations,” added the English Heritage spokesperson.

other conservation work recently carried out by English Heritage on the Abbey ruins