THE first restoration project undertaken by The Village Alive Trust charity – an 18th century grade two listed well-house at Cross Ash – has been officially unveiled amidst praise from Monmouthshire’s conservation officer.

Edward Holland, Monmouthshire County Council’s conservation manager, said: “The Well House at New Inn Farm is an extraordinary building and a distinctive historic feature in the area. Its rescue and restoration is greatly welcomed and the enthusiasm and success of the local Building Preservation Trust in carrying out this project is a model for how other buildings at risk around the county could be saved.”

The well house had a reservoir capacity of about 17,000 litres and once supplied water to the former coach house at New Inn, which lies on the Cross Ash to Grosmont road. The building had partly collapsed with the remaining structure overgrown before The Village Alive Trust took on the restoration project with the support of owners, Ed and Dorothy Baylis.

Restoration was undertaken as part of The Village Alive Project which successfully bid for 80 per cent funding from EU Article 33 funding aimed at regenerating areas affected by Foot and Mouth disease. The architects were Morgan and Horowskyj of Abergavenny and the stonework and lime mortar renovation was undertaken by local builders J Sobik and Son.

Monmouth MP David Davies attended the opening celebration and witnessed an official document that will allow limited access to the restored building for members of the public on designated days. A leaflet detailing what is currently known about the Well House will also be made available to visitors.

Mr Davies said, “I am delighted to be able to play a small part in supporting the work of the Trust and I would like to congratulate everyone involved for making the renovation of the Well House such a success. The Trust is a fantastic advocacy for tourism, heritage and history in Monmouthshire and I am sure it continue to go from strength to strength.”

The Village Alive Trust, which comprises a group of like-minded people from the Llangattock Lingoed area, is currently undertaking repairs to a Cider House at Cwm Farm, Llangattock Lingoed that has also been listed for its important heritage. When completed a limited access agreement will allow visits on open days, starting this weekend, September 10 and 11 between 2 and 5pm.

The Trust recently staged a successful Lammas Fair at Llangattock Lingoed when hundreds of people enjoyed a day of traditional crafts, medieval entertainment and amid the pretty surroundings of Gwent’s best kept hamlet. The day was largely supported by EU grant aid and proceeds from the event will go to aid local groups including Crucorney YFC whose members stewarded the car parks.

The Village Alive project has been financed and supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and managed by the Welsh Development Agency and the Adventa Local Action Group through the Article 33 Rural Development Programme for Wales. Also supported by the Manifold Trust, the Alun Evans Memorial Trust, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Grosmont CC and local people. The work of the Trust can be viewed at www.villagealivetrust.org.uk