Refurbishment work on Saffron Walden Town Hall is expected to be fully completed by the end of January, with 90 per cent of the main build finished by Christmas.

Contractors T Butler and Son, who began the project in May, say they are on schedule to complete the re-roofing of the building as well as stone and masonry repairs by the beginning of next year.

The renovation project, which is costing more than half a million pounds, also includes work to the heating system and lift inside the building. Lisa Courtney, Saffron Walden town clerk, said: “A lot of time and money has been invested in the much needed renovations. The work to the building should last for the next 50 to 100 years.

“We wanted to do a comprehensive job so that the building can be used more productively for events in the future. The town hall could potentially lend itself to some big events and once the work is completed, we will start promoting it further.”

Terry Frostick, operations manager at the town council, added: “The hall is licensed for weddings and civil partnerships and we haven’t really promoted the building as we knew the refurbishment work was going to be done.

“We’re very chuffed with how it’s going, it’s on time and on budget, and we are proud that the town hall will soon be fully operational for all events.”