Wisbech High Street set for debut gutter clean

Blocked Downpipes
Ingham Pinnock Assosciates

Work to help restore historic buildings on Wisbech High Street will take to the skies this month when a special event is held to clean gutters and parapets.

A cherry picker will remove overgrown vegetation and obstructions from gullies and gutters on the front of High Street buildings when the National Lottery-funded Wisbech High Street Project hosts its first Gutter Clean Day.

The day is being held on Thursday, November 23, and coincides with the annual SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) Maintenance Week, from November 17-24, which raises awareness of good property maintenance practice and the importance of keeping gutters and parapets clear.

The Wisbech High Street Project, which is being delivered by Fenland District Council with a £1.9 million National Lottery grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), organised the event in response to concerns raised by conservation officers about the amount of vegetation growing in gutters and the negative impact it was having on the condition of buildings.

The project will also be tackling the issue by offering practical advice to owners of historic buildings through workshops, leaflets and practical maintenance days.

The Gutter Clean Day is being carried out with owners’ permission and at no cost to owners or tenants. It is hoped the event will be undertaken each year during the remaining three years of the project.

Councillor David Oliver, Cabinet member for Heritage at Fenland District Council, said: “Many properties in Wisbech town centre are in poor condition and one area of particular concern is the amount of vegetation growing in gutters and the damage it can cause to buildings.

“The cleaning of gutters and parapets is one crucial aspect of ensuring that buildings are better maintained so it’s great that this will be happening in the High Street.”

The event is being supported by Wisbech Town Council, the Wisbech Society, Street Pride and a team of volunteers. A conservation officer from Fenland District Council will also be available on the day to address questions from building owners and offer practical advice about taking care of their buildings.

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