'Urgent repairs' needed to save historic building

Previous work on the building revealed "a critical loss of structural integrity"

A Grade I listed building is in "significantly worse condition than previously understood", according to a Surrey council.

Waverley Borough Council (WBC) has been working for several months on a project to restore the 18th Century Willmer House, which is home to the Museum of Farnham.

And now it is aiming to ringfence almost £680k after conservation specialists confirmed immediate repairs were "essential to prevent further deterioration and ensure public safety".

WBC leader Paul Follows said: "We understand concerns about rising costs, but we have a legal and moral duty to act."

Last September saw WBC sign off on plans to restore Willmer House, which dates back to 1718, after agreeing to cover the £300,000 funding gap.

Earlier this year, the council secured vital funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore its historic front facade.

But, in doing so, extensive wet rot and insect decay in the roof timbers were discovered, revealing "a critical loss of structural integrity".

As a result the council is reallocating £60,500 from its capital programme, while a further £610,248 is being sought from capital receipts to foot the burgeoning repair bill.

Follows described it as "a necessary response to a long-standing and serious structural failure that has steadily worsened over several decades".

He added: "Without our intervention, enabled by external funding, these deeper issues would have remained hidden and unaddressed."

A WBC spokesperson said the authority was also urging other local stakeholders to take an active role in shaping the future of Willmer House.

In April it asked local people to sponsor a brick in order to help pay for the restoration.