A RESCUE package has been launched to save 160 jobs at a Herefordshire building conservation company regarded as one of the largest of its kind in the UK, writes JON LAND.

Dimbylow Crump Ltd., based at Didley, near Wormbridge, called in the receivers this week. An urgent review of around 30 contracts will now be carried out to establish the viability of a sale of the business.

Company director John Dimbylow said management would do everything in their power to save jobs. "We are extremely regretful about the whole thing but I must stress that we are involved in discussions with the receivers at the moment," he said.

"Management is actively seeking to save as many jobs as it possibly can. The situation has mainly been brought about by a number of bad debts and we feel that we are unable to continue at this time." Renowned for its expert restoration work on some of the country's most historic buildings, the name Dimbylow Crump had always been synonymous with success.

Just last year the company's work on the 14th century Whittington Inn, in Staffordshire, once the home of Dick Whittington's grandfather, earned its craftsmen the prestigious English Heritage Carpentry Award.

Dimbylow Crump was also short-listed for the coveted Betjemen Award for general building conservation and received widespread acclaim for its restoration of Hereford's Old House.

In 1998 the company opened its new £260,000 headquarters in a renovated 17th century oak-framed timber barn at Didley.

It was here that the receivers KPMG, of Bristol, arrived this week at the request of the directors.