PAINSTAKING work to restore an historic corrroded iron gateway in Holyhead is getting underway.

The town's salt laden atmosphere has ravaged the decorative ironwork of a gate at St Cybi's Church.

The gateway is part of the church's Grade II listed archway and provides access to the lower churchyard on Victoria Road.

Some elements of the iron have deteriorated so significantly that they must be completely reproduced. The work starts tomorrow, Tuesday, February 11.

St Cybi’s history dates back to the late Roman period during the third century.

Through the Holyhead Townscape Heritage Initiative, the Isle of Anglesey County Council has secured grants from the European Regional Development Fund; and National Lottery Heritage Fund for the restoration.

The repairs represent the first phase of a larger planned investment scheme, managed by the county council on the St Cybi site over the next 12-18 months.

Anglesey’s Economic Development portfolio holder, Councillor Carwyn Jones, said: “We are pleased to be able to invest in such an important and historic site.

"The external funding secured will protect and enhance St Cybi’s churchyard.

"Conserving important features such as the listed archway’s ironwork will ensure that future generations are able to share in this unique site with its origins dating back to the Roman times.

"The project will preserve a small but significant piece of Holyhead’s history, address recent concerns about its condition and provide safe access to the site.”

Reverend Rob Wardle, Bro Cybi Ministry Area Leader, added: “St Cybi's are delighted this much-needed repair work to the lower churchyard gates is going to take place.

"We are very pleased to be working in close partnership with the County Council and are grateful to them for accessing funds for this important work, which is part of the ongoing renovation of the site and its buildings.

"St Cybi’s is in the centre of our town and a much-loved Church in our community."

The gates will be repaired by ironwork restoration specialists, Calibre Metalwork.

The company previously restored the iron gates at the newly refurbished Holyhead Market Hall.

They will remove salt deposits, prior to applying a protective layer and paintwork to resist the future effects of the marine environment.

The work will involve the removal of the ironwork off site for up to 10 weeks and will mean that the archway entrance will be closed all day on Tuesday, February 11.

Alternative pedestrian access from St Cybi’s to Victoria Road will be via Swift Square.

For further details on the work please contact the Project Manager, Nathan Blanchard, on (01248) 752047 or email npbpl@anglesey.gov.uk