WORK on Ledbury's Market House will begin on Monday, May 22.

It cannot start earlier because of work at the adjacent Bakers Oven shop, which will involve extensive scaffolding.

The pillars of the Market House will be lifted up on jacks, so repairs can be made to the timber bases. The roof will also need extensive repairs and the whole Grade I listed building will be covered in scaffolding.

The work will cost in the region of £200,000 and take about 16 weeks.

The town council has been in talks with market traders because the first three parking spaces by the Market House will be needed for the contractors. As a result, the council has agreed to suspend market charges for existing stalls for the duration of the work. A new area for the market will have to be found.

Town clerk Tessa Wildermoth said: "The traders' preferred option was to have stalls further up the High Street, although the difficulties of coning off areas and policing were noted."

St Katherine's car park is being considered as another option and discussions will take place with Herefordshire Council, which owns it.

Town councillors are also discussing the possibility of new coverings for stalls and signage to assist the traders.

The date and location of a public meeting to discuss the Market House project is still to be fixed, but other details have been agreed. The Market House bus stop will not be in use during the works and an alternative stop will need to be found.

Because of the May start, an order for the building's hanging baskets will have to be cancelled.

Town council meetings usually held in the Market House will be moved to alternative locations.