A neglected house in Maldon is set to get a new lease of life thank to its new owners.

Evelyn House on Market Hill has been declared a building at risk by Essex County Council because of its poor state of repair.

But now the Maldon Conservation Area Partnership Scheme (CAPS) is supporting owners Mike and Kathryn Walder's bid to refurbish the property.

The scheme, financially backed by English Heritage, Maldon District Council and Essex County Council, is giving the couple a grant to help pay for the work.

The 17th century building was once the home of well-known Maldon woman Cath Backus and is set among other distinguished townhouses.

CAPS officer Robert Scrimgeour said : "Quite often change in ownership of a building creates the opportunity to make a big difference to its condition, and I am delighted this has happened to Evelyn House."

Plans for the house include replacing rendering at the front and back using traditional materials, restoring all the sash windows and repairing its timber frame.

Mr Walder said: "We are really looking forward to this repair work being completed and are hoping that it will allow the house to stand for several hundred years more."

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