IT is business as usual at Colchester's Hollytrees Museum despite working on a programme of refurbishment works getting underway.

Essential works on the Grade I listed building on Castle Road began last week to ensure it remains in a good state of repair and scaffolding has been put up around the outside.

Amongst the projects which need to be completed are replacing broken roof tiles, repairing timbers and stonework and repointing brickwork on the outside, while the interior needs repairs to windows, shutters, doors and other woodwork, replacement of cracked window panes and the redecoration of several rooms.

The building is home to the Visitor Information Centre which will remain open for staff to assist residents and visitors on things to do, places to visit and accommodation and travel plans.

Individual rooms of the museum will have to be temporarily closed while work is completed but families will still be able to wander around the building for free.

The gift shop will be open as usual.

Colchester Council's culture boss Tim Young said: "Hollytrees Museum is an extremely beautiful Georgian building - one of Colchester’s real historical gems.

"That is why it is important that we maintain and protect the building to ensure that it remains in fantastic condition so that residents and visitors to Colchester will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.

"It is not only home to a fascinating museum, which is free to enter, but the Visit Colchester Information Centre also has a great selection of Colchester-themed gifts and merchandise. It really is worth making a visit to find out more."

The works are part of the ongoing maintenance schedule Colchester Council has for all its properties.

Repairs to the Natural History Museum and Holy Trinity Church are also in the pipeline.

The works at Hollytrees will be completed by July 22 ahead of the school summer holidays.