Work is underway on the old toll house adjacent to Bigsweir Bridge.

The Grade II listed building has not been renovated since the 1980s and there have been fears recently that it would soon be beyond repair if action was not taken.

Vandalism and lead theft of roofing and piping have meant that the building is no longer water tight and severe rot has set in on the 180 year old floor.

The renovation work has been part funded by a £19,000 grant from the Sustainable Development Fund in conjunction with the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB) Unit.

The sustainable Development Grant aid is available in both England and Wales to support sustainable projects involving local communities within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The grants are delivered by the AONB; in Wales they are set up by the Welsh Assembly Government and co-ordinated by the Countryside Council for Wales, and in England by Defra and co-ordinated by Natural England.

Grants from Trellech Community Council, the Welsh Churches and a donation by the building's owner Charles Hopkinson, have also helped in the renovation.

The toll house is situated on the Welsh side of the river and was built when the road between Chepstow and Monmouth incurred a toll for travellers.

The charge to those wanting to cross the bridge was 6d (sixpence) for a horse drawn carriage. The building operated as a toll house until 1879.

Since the turnpike system was abolished, Bigsweir Toll House has taken on many guises until it was finally abandoned.

Bats have been found roosting in the toll house lately, and bat survey work was carried out by the Monmouthshire Bat Group throughout the summer of 2011.

The group's report indicated that the toll house hosts a range of Wye Valley species including the rare Lesser Horseshoe bat.

Bat Groups have agreed to monitor the bats over the coming years.

The work on the building will take six weeks and will preserve the historic site from collapse. It may for the foreseeable future live out its days as an elaborate bat house, but it is one more piece of local history ensured a safe future for young generations to enjoy.