YOUNG craftsmen from the Transylvania region of Romania are helping to rescue ornate but crumbling 19th century plasterwork in Leominster's grandest street.

Cristi Nicoara and Denes Moldovan, both 25, were brought in by local craftsman Stuart Preece to work on the faade of the former Layton & Davies hardware shop in Broad Street.

The business closed due to retirement more than a year ago. The new owner of the prominent vacant building, Mike Moore, is now restoring it to its former glory.

Scaffold

Cristi and Denes are remoulding and sculpting freehand in 'Roman' lime-based plaster. The pair have to work from scaffolding to painstakingly mould some of the detail in situ. Other parts are being made in a workshop and fixed in place.

The launch of the rescue operation has pleased Leominster historic buildings expert Duncan James, himself a craftsman and designer of jewellery.

The restoration work at 7 Broad Street will improve an historic street scene that includes other buildings with ornate plasterwork such as the Lewis furniture shop and Lion House.

"Broad Street is Leominster's showpiece," said Mr James. Timber-framed buildings dating from the 17th century and earlier were re-fronted in masonry in the styles of the time during the 19th century. A common decorative element was 'wonderful' flower motifs.

Cristi and Denes, who are on a scholarship trip to the UK, are working on several buildings in the region with Stuart Preece.

"No one practises their kind of skill in Britain," said Stuart who, in turn, has played a part in teaching skills to the Romanians.

Following the oppressive Ceausescu era when traditional building techniques were suppressed, Stuart went to the country under the auspices of a London-based trust to help revive craftsmanship.