One of Billericay's top attractions is to undergo a £650,000 renovation.

Barleylands Farm Museum, in Barleylands Road, will use the money to double its number of craft studios, build a new museum barn, reception and car park.

A large part of the funding has come from grants from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.

A spokesman for Barleylands Farm said staff were "over the moon" about the new developments.

"The Government and European Union have been very generous in supporting us. These are greatly needed improvements to the site which will hopefully attract more visitors and craft traders."

The money will be spent in improving Barleylands, which hosts the Essex Steam and Country Show every summer.

Improvements include: 17 new craft studios, bringing the total to 30, a tea room, a new barn, and Spinney Walk allowing visitors to walk through trees and shrubs to the farm's picnic area

Published Thursday, February 6, 2003

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