A ROAD in Somerset famed as the oldest residential street in Europe has taken a step closer to undergoing conservation works and 'urgent repairs'.

Wells Cathedral has received £4.4million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund towards its campaign to save Vicars’ Close - the oldest residential street in Europe.

The medieval street was first built over 600 years ago, and will soon undergo 'critical conservation works', and receive a new visitor experience, which will open up four of the unique buildings to the public for the very first time.

The project will cost a total of £7million - as well as the recently-secured National Lottery Heritage Fund, £1million has been raised by donors to the Cathedral.

This leaves £1.6m to be raised to enable the completion of the project.

The necessary repairs as part of the project are specific to each property, but consist mainly of re-roofing, new insulation, drainage improvements to prevent water damage, wall conservation, and exterior joinery repairs.

The proposed plans include converting No 27 to a visitor centre, and opening numbers 12, 22 and Vicars’ Hall to year-round public access.

It is proposed that the gardens of numbers 12 and 22 will be redesigned with medieval inspiration following research to investigate the horticulture of the high and late Middle Ages.

Although some of the houses have been open for temporary exhibitions and events, this will be the first time that permanent access will be established, so that visitors can enjoy the buildings.

In the mid-14th century Edward III (1312-1377) tried to pawn his own crown to raise money for the good of the road.

The Dean of Wells, the Very Reverend Toby Wright, said: “Vicars’ Close is a truly remarkable place, possibly without parallel anywhere in the world.

"We have a responsibility not only to protect the architectural site but also to share its extraordinary heritage and enable more people to engage with it.

"We are absolutely thrilled that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made such a generous and significant contribution to help us achieve that ambition.

"We are now asking for public support to raise the last £1.6m and ensure that one of the most historic places in the UK will be protected for future generations – even a small donation will make a big difference”

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Places of worship, and the buildings associated with them, are some of our oldest and most cherished historic buildings and many play a key role as a gateway to our heritage and communities.

"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, this project which will enable vital steps towards securing a brighter and more sustainable future for Vicars’ Close and enable new audiences to enjoy this remarkable survival and explore the heritage it holds.

“We are delighted to invest in the restoration and reimagining of the buildings of Vicars’ Close, ensuring that this heritage will be valued, cared for, and sustained, for everyone, now and in the future.”