ANOTHER historic building in Alston is set to undergo refurbishment as part of a £1.3m heritage project.

The Alston Moor Partnership's Townscape Heritage Scheme was launched last year with finance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Eden District Council, and Alston Moor Parish Council.

So far three properties have benefited from the scheme, including the Victorian Ryder House, on Front Street, which was restored to its former glory 12 months ago.

Now the initiative is turning its attention to the Alston Wholefoods shop, also on Front Street, which is a grocery and delicatessen.

Scaffolding will go up as part of a programme which will include masonry and roof repairs, while traditional sash windows will be reinstated.

Re-pointing in lime mortar will also be carried out as part of the project at the shop, which will be wrapped up in hessian at times to protect the mortar against winter frosts.

Alston Wholefoods will remain open throughout the scheme seven days per week.

The business runs as a workers co-operative, which currently has 10 members.

One of the members, Madeleine Parkyn, said: "We are very happy that our shop is getting a much-needed facelift.

"Alston Wholefoods will be open seven days a week, as usual, so don't be deterred by the scaffolding.

"We hope that everyone will continue to enjoy shopping here during this necessary work."

Tracy Perfect Reid, of the Alston Townscape Heritage Scheme, said: "We really want to support this business and make sure that customers old and new won't be put off by the scaffolding which will hide the shop windows over the next few weeks."

The heritage scheme is being rolled out over a four period. In total, it will breathe new life into 11 architecturally important buildings within Alston's conservation area, on Front Street and Market Street.