Major building works to restore and conserve the historic limeworks at Llanymynech have now been completed and will be officially opened on 16 April by Shropshire County Councillor, Barbara Craig.

For the first time in over a 100 years smoke will emerge from the chimney to the Hoffmann Kiln to celebrate its new life.

The kiln is one of only three such lime-burning kilns in the UK and unique in still having its chimney intact.

-- Advertisement --

A partnership, administered by Shropshire County Council, included Shropshire and Montgomery Wildlife Trusts, British Waterways, Oswestry Borough Council and local people and community organisations, has overseen a £900,000 restoration and conservation programme.

Work started in 2006 and has been supported by a number of funding organisations, including £492,000 support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), in addition to funds from English Heritage and the European Regional Development Fund.

Councillor Barbara Craig said: "We are delighted with this project which has restored to the local community a fascinating part of Shropshire's industrial past. The whole site with the backdrop of the Llanymynech rocks now provides a fantastic educational resource and visitor attraction."

(CD)