THE culmination of years of hard work by lovers of historic buildings will come to fruition this year.

Neglected listed buildings in Cowl Street, Evesham, are about to be completely renovated.

The old pet shop forming number 31 and 32 is to be taken back to its original half-timbered form and the gap next to the terraced building is to be filled in with a third dwelling to complete the street scene.

Before the development could begin, a full archaeological survey had to be carried out in the grounds and during the last three weeks a wealth of exciting historical finds have been unearthed.

On Tuesday Wychavon Building Preservation Trust held an open day for townsfolk to have a look at the many discoveries.

Included were pieces of pottery, tiles, a clay pipe from the 17th century, a headless figurine from the 18th century, a chunk of stone from Evesham's Abbey and a medieval cooking pot dating from the 13th or 14th century.

Field archaeologist Martin Cook said: "It has been very exciting work, which has revealed evidence of occupation dating back possibly before the 12th century."

All Mr Cook's findings are to be added to the county sites and monuments records held by Worcestershire County Council

Mr Cook said: "Something as important as this will also require further formal publication."

The next and final stage of the project will be taken over by Mark Williams of P Williams & Sons, based at Defford, who will produce three two-bedroom homes for occupation by about September or October.

However, it was the Wychavon Building Preservation Trust, made up of keen local enthusiasts, which started the ball rolling several years ago.

Chairman John Payne said: "The work will be to the highest standards and will help to rejuvenate Cowl Street as well as adding to the heritage of Evesham." He said the properties, once owned by Wychavon District Council, had been passed to the Trust.

Mr Payne said: "This independent trust has, over several years, managed to resolve the complex issues of restoration, economic viability and the acceptable final use."

Member of the trust Peter Rhodes, from architects Ward and Dale Smith, said: "We formed the trust in the early 90s to try to save unloved historic buildings which were not obvious money makers.

"The old pet shop was in a terrible state which needed a huge amount of capital spending on it.

"We have found a specialist contractor willing to fund the project to our specifications, who is also going to build a third home, then sell the three to hopefully recoup costs."

He explained that the trust itself was a non-profit making organisation, which so far had used district council grants and its own professional resources to get the project up and running.

Mr Rhodes added: "There is very little profit to be made but the benefit to the community will be tremendous."

Developer Mr Williams said: "I have done my figures and am confident of making a small profit, however, I am also very pleased to be involved in the project which should greatly enhance Cowl Street."

Evesham architect John Groom, based in the High Street, has drawn up the plans. He said: "The 16th century building will be restored as near as we possibly can to its original form which includes exposing the beams on the frontage and lowering the roof to its original height.

"This will be a wonderful achievement for the dedicated trust members who have all worked so hard, and will go on to save more listed buildings in the future."

The Trust is a voluntary organisation and is looking to extend its membership. Anyone interested should contact John Payne on 01386 442902.