£20k revamp for iconic Stafford Ancient High House amid pigeon infestation

The famous Grade-II Tudor building in Greenage Street - which is the largest remaining timber framed town house in England - will undergo repairs to replace some of its iconic panels, wooden beams and new stone blocks will be added to improve its structure on the inside.

Mesh needs to be installed between the building and neighbouring Nash's House to prevent pigeons gathering which have prompted health concerns for people.

Councillor Christine Baron, who represents the town centre area, said: "It is a special building and it gets a lot of visitors particularly tourists.

"I will be speaking to conservation officers to make sure the work does not detract from it.

"We have got to protect and retain these old buildings we have lost too many.

"But it is good that the council will be investing in it."

While the Forebridge ward member confirmed that there were problems with pigeons throughout the town adding she received complaints every day.

Councillor Baron said: "We have had problems with people feeding pigeons all over Stafford.

"We have tried to talk to people and put them off from doing it.

"I get complaints on a daily basis about pigeons.

"It is unacceptable if they are causing harm to our historical buildings as well."

The Ancient High House dates back to 1595 when it was built for the wealthy Dorrington family.

This year marks the 30th anniversary since it opened as a museum providing glimpses into the lives of the people who have occupied it.

The property last underwent an extensive programme of repairs and restoration in the 1980s, some of which are starting to decay and are in need of attention.

A planning application submitted by Stafford Borough Council to carry out the work is set to be approved at a planning committee meeting next Wednesday.

A report attached to the agenda for the meeting states: "There is a narrow tapering gap between the two Grade II listed buildings which currently attracts roosting pigeons and a build-up of detritus (dead organisms).

"This is unsightly, damaging to the fabric of the buildings and noisome and unhealthy to the occupiers of both buildings."

The paper concludes: "The proposed works are considered to result in minimal harm to the significance of this heritage asset which is outweighed by the benefit of undertaking essential repair works to allow for the on-going maintenance of the building."