Free Gutter Cleaning Scheme launches in Great Yarmouth's High Street Heritage Action Zone

The work is being carried out via the High Street Heritage Action Zone project and is funded by Historic England. It will see a number of historic homes and businesses in the Market Place, Market Row, Regent Street and King Street offered the cleaning service, along with a visual survey of roofs.

The HSHAZ is focused on the preservation, restoration and promotion of the town's historic landscape and previous projects have included the restoration of the town wall at St Nicholas' School, the restoration and protection of a number of shopfronts and research into Great Yarmouth's historic 'Ghost Signs'.

The new scheme, which will be completed by the end of March, aims to eliminate problems caused by blocked gutters, such as damp and mould and their associated damage to buildings. People will also receive feedback on any defects/concerns with their roof, such as slipped tiles.

Residents in the buildings that are eligible for the work will receive a flyer with further details outlining how to register interest with the council to be part of the scheme.

Councillor James Bensly, portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal Management at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: ''We have an incredibly rich history in Great Yarmouth and protecting buildings in the town's Heritage Action Zone is very important.

''We are very grateful to Historic England for providing the funding for this work, which forms an important part of our strategy to preserve and highlight the town's unique assets for future generations.''

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England said: ''Maintenance is so important to help protect historic buildings and to reduce the likelihood of significant repair costs in the future.  This programme of gutter clearance will help to conserve the important heritage of Great Yarmouth for people to continue to enjoy now and in the future.''