Abbey restoration work to start

The project will cost £6.56m

The restoration of Torquay's Torre Abbey is set to start following the appointment of a site contractor.

Parts of Torre Abbey date back to Norman times but it is at risk of falling into serious disrepair.

The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £4.9m in 2004 to improve the abbey as a tourist attraction, with a new cafe and shop to be built.

Kier Western has won the year-long tender process. Work starts on 18 April and is due to continue until 2008.

Restoration work will include medieval paint conservation and specialist stone repair. The abbey will be closed for the duration.

Torbay Council, English Heritage and the Friends of Torre Abbey Renaissance Appeal also contributed to the overall £6.56m project.

Steve Parrock, Torbay Council's assistant director for performance, said it was one of the largest heritage projects in the South West.