Repair work has got underway in Reading, Berkshire, at the site of one of the town's most historic monuments, Abbey Ruins.

Health and safety concerns had been raised about certain parts of the site last summer following a detailed inspection of the monument, undertaken by Reading Borough Council (RBC). IJP Building Conservation has been appointed by the council to carry out the repairs, which have initially focused on the Cloister Wall at the west end of Chapter House, where a sedium layer will be put in place to prevent water from entering into the stonework.

RBC lead councillor for culture and sport, Graeme Hoskin, said: "The Abbey Ruins are not only hugely important to Reading residents, but are also of national historical and archaeological importance. The works to repair and protect the ruins are therefore both extremely specialised and painstaking, but it's vital we do this work property in order to preserve them for future generations."