Lincolnshire heritage skills scheme gets funding boost

A scheme to train people to look after Lincoln's oldest buildings has secured £250,000 in funding.

The first phase will see three students recruited in the cathedral works department to train in stone masonry, lead-work and joinery.

More students will be taken on as the project develops alongside a Heritage Skills Centre which will be built inside the castle next year.

The money for the five-year scheme has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor Eddy Poll, executive councillor for economic development, said: "We live in such a beautiful and historic county, but it does take some looking after.

"The cathedral and castle need a constant supply of highly-trained people working on their restoration, as do the many other historic buildings in the county.

"It is excellent that the Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised this need, and we are grateful for what will be a vital heritage grant."

The £2.1m Heritage Skills Centre is the first new building inside the castle for 150 years and if final plans are agreed, construction should begin in April 2011.