A major project to overhaul the roof of a 19th Century Suffolk town hall building is poised to go-ahead thanks to funding from English Heritage.After listed building consent was granted by Mid Suffolk District Council for the refurbishment of Eye Town Hall, the scheme has now cleared the final hurdle to allow key repairs to proceed.

A major project to overhaul the roof of a 19th Century Suffolk town hall building is poised to go-ahead thanks to funding from English Heritage.

After listed building consent was granted by Mid Suffolk District Council for the refurbishment of Eye Town Hall, the scheme has now cleared the final hurdle to allow key repairs to proceed.

The �263,000 project will tackle the complex and difficult-to-access roof for the first time since the Grade II building was built in 1857.

The repair work will also address the increasing leakage into the structure which could potentially cause serious damage.

English Heritage is to provide a grant of �199,000 towards the project cost. Further funding is to be provided by Eye Town Council, Mid Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council.

Peter Gould, Eye Town Hall Improvements Society chairman, said: 'We are delighted that with English Heritage's help, work can finally start to save this important part of Eye's history and character.'

'The Town Hall has been a landmark, some would say a quirky landmark, in the centre of our town for more than 150 years and there is no doubt it has been hit by the ravages of time.'

'Once we can get the roof and gutters sorted, the building's future is assured.'

Mr Gould added that future developments could involve improving the buildings internal facilities, such as the heating, toilets and kitchen.

Stuart Gemmill, portfolio holder for planning at Mid Suffolk District Council said: 'Eye Town Hall is a building of exceptional architectural quality and is one of the key features of this attractive town. We are delighted to promote the preservation of this building by granting this consent. The building itself has much to offer, and this development of the building is something we are very keen to see happen.'