WORKS costing over four and a half million pounds on Monmouth's historic Shire Hall are to be delayed, at least into the summer, The Beacon can reveal. It was thought the works would get under way around about Easter time and only last Thursday a farewell party was held at the Shire Hall. However, there is very little likelihood of the works starting for months. In a statement issued on Monday, Jenny Lewis, Area Manager of the County Council's One Stop Shop in Monmouth, outlined why the project is going to be delayed. The statement said: "Tenders have come in for the Shire Hall project higher than the external consultant's original estimated costs. This is due to a buoyant market for historical restoration work. The project team at Monmouthshire County Council are presently looking at various ways of meeting this shortfall and are confident that the funding gap can be bridged. "We will hear the final outcome of our bid to Heritage Lottery Fund during the summer. "On the advice from our insurers, it seems that despite this delay, the Shire Hall will close as planned from 20 March, due to operational and security difficulties in keeping it open. Monmouthshire County Council are aware that many of the users of the Shire Hall, and perhaps, local traders will want to postpone the closure until a start date has been confirmed. "This is, however, sadly impossible. The building has been kept open in a precarious situation, and to delay closure any longer would be irresponsible. "We hope that everybody in the town, especially those who have been involved with this landmark building, will understand the situation, and will continue to lend their much valued support to help us make Shire Hall as good a community resource as it could be". Towards the end of last week, The Beacon began receiving calls from trades people and other interested parties, who said they had heard rumours that the project start was under threat. One said "If the works are going to be delayed for some months, surely the open air market can remain in the area of the Shire Hall for a little longer". Another complained "The county don't seem interested in helping the market traders, and in turn the traders at the top end of the town". A grant of £3,092,521, which represents almost 69 per cent of the total cost, was applied for in Heritage Lottery Funding. In the bid, those involved said there was a strong desire tor estore and conserve the building and make it accessible for all. It is envisaged that the building should be used to present the story of the town and, in particular, the Chartist trials. The objective is to introduce the town and its history to visitors and local people and to encourage them to explore its unique history and heritage. Ther Shire Hall is a grade I listed building of classical design and considerable architectural merit. It is regarded as being the most important building in the town, possibly in the whole of Monmouthshire. It includes two courts, a council chamber and offices for the administration of the town with a covered market at ground level. The building was the scene of one of the most significant trials in Britain history when, in 1839, a group of men were tried for their part in the Chartist Riots. The setting for this drama was court one, which remains largely unaltered.
