THE new owners of Evesham's historic Walker Hall say the refurbishment programme is going to plan and could be finished by the end of October.

Peter Rhodes and Barrie Saggers, partners in Vine Street chartered surveyors and historic building consultants Ward and Dale Smith, said the project to restore the 15th century hall was using traditional techniques and materials, and was one of the most exciting they had been involved in.

The work is being done in three phases and the first of those was now complete said Mr Saggers, who added: "So far it has gone well, we've not come across any nasty surprises."

Phase one began at the end of June and involved repairs to the fabric of the Grade II listed building, tackling damp, and decorating the exterior. English Heritage is overseeing the project and provided a grant of £46,000 for the structural repairs which make up much of the initial work.

Mr Rhodes said the work was completed within the budget and added: "English Heritage visited last week and they seemed pleased with the way it was going."

The most dramatic aspect so far has been the reinstatement of the first floor which was removed in 1905.

The new floor is at the same level as its predecessor and has real English oak floorboards. Mr Rhodes said the next phase was to convert the new floor into a reception area with four offices, toilets and a kitchen.

Other notable features include the traditional lime plaster on the walls which has animal hair to bind it together, lime putty mortars to repoint the stonework and real stone slates on the roof.

Mr Rhodes and Mr Saggers said the level of interest shown by passers-by surprised them and they plan to open the hall to the public for an afternoon towards the end of next month.

The exact nature of final phase of work relating to the ground floor, remains unclear, but it will have a restored wooden floor similar to that in All Saints' Church.

Mr Rhodes said although the first floor was nearly complete, the way it was finally developed depended on what it would be used for but he suggested it might be suitable for some kind of retail use.