A PROJECT to restore the front of the Best Western Plus Angel Hotel is underway and continuing for the next 11 weeks.

Work at the 270 year old hotel on Chippenham's central market square has been coordinated to finish before the town light up festival celebrations in December to minimise disruptions.

The £60,000 renovation of the listed building will make the front portico entrance safe.

Originally built in the 1700s, a recent investigation discovered that the structure had become damaged over time.

Inspectors found that left unrestored, the portico was at risk of collapsing under its own weight.

Damian Kaye, general manager of the hotel, said: “We did an investigation and found we needed to get in there and do something to prevent it from becoming unsafe.

“We originally thought a good clean was all that was needed but when we investigated further we realised that it was a big project costing £60,000.

“The three metal rods that support the portico will be replaced. Hopefully once we are done it will look the same and no one will be able to tell the difference other than it having had a good clean.

“We are lucky that we are able to fund this because alot of small businesses wouldn’t be able to.”

The wedding hot spot and 50 bedroom hotel will continue to run as normal, with weddings due to take place at the venue during the work.

The venue is set to host 20 bookings during 2017 with packages ranging between £2800 and £5,750.

Mr Kaye revealed that the hotel is offering couples a 20 per cent discount on gold, platinum or diamond wedding packages if they place a deposit before the refurbishment is completed.

For more information visit: https://www.bestwestern.co.uk/hotels/best-western-plus-angel-hotel-83654