PHOENIX Masonry goes from strength to strength as plaudits for its work on Worcester Bridge just keep rolling in.

The company, which has been based in the city's Hylton Road since 2003, returned the bridge to its former glory seven months after a bus crashed into it.

Four experienced stonemasons hand crafted replacement copings, balustrades and one huge die stone which had to be hoisted into place by a crane. All the new work has been made from Watts Cliff Grit stone to match the original.

Simon Allard is the managing director of Phoenix Masonry and he said the company was extremely proud of the end result.

"We have had so many compliments regarding our restoration work. All the stone was cut on site here at Hylton Road and then taken over to the bridge.

"It was a tricky job but it is a great honour to be able to maintain the history of Worcester and surrounding areas.

"We have done a lot of restoration work on major historical buildings in the city, such as the Royal Grammar School and The King's School, as well as Malvern Priory and Malvern College.

"It is gratifying to know that we are helping to prolong Worcestershire's ancient and cherished buildings. We have also worked on old buildings and churches in Ludlow and Leominster. It is amazing to think we are carrying on the traditions of craftsmen who worked on these buildings hundreds of years ago."

Stonemasons at Phoenix are currently building a new parapet for St Mary's church at Stanford Bridge, near Abberley, and continuing restoration work at the impressive county landmark that is Hartlebury Castle.

The company is unique because all six of its skilled craftsmen are able to work with any stone. The team scour the country to find a suitable match from quarries as far away as Scotland.

The huge, five ton blocks are brought back to Worcester, sawn, and handcrafted to replace the original pieces of stone.

But Phoenix Masonry doesn't just do restoration work.

The company also specialises in making natural stone fireplaces, granite kitchen or bathroom worksurfaces, stone garden furniture and ornaments, water features and customised house signs which could be from a small wall-mounted plaque to a large free-standing boulder.

Phoenix Masonry also specialises in designing and making memorial stones and is proud of its reputation for offering a friendly and sympathetic service at a time when bereaved families need it the most.

Mr Allard, who is a third generation stonemason, says the company intends to build on its excellent reputation.

"Most of our work comes to us by word of mouth, and while we want to expand we will never get too big to offer the personal service for which we are renowned," he said.

"We are delighted to be able to offer the services of the most talented, highly-skilled craftsmen in their field."

Sara Pawsey

Company

Pheonix Masonry

Owners

Simon and Julie Allard

Business type

Stonemasons

Established

2003

Telephone

01905 423178

Fax

01905 421139

E-mail address

stonemasonatwork@aol.com

Location

Hylton Road,

Worcester WR2 5JS