Important part of town’s history (From The Oxford Times)

Important part of town’s history

9:04am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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WORK is under way to refurbish a plaque dedicated to the benefactor of Witney’s almshouses.

On Wednesday last week, builders Joslins started work on the plaque, which sits in the middle of six Townsend Almshouses in Newland.

The £4,500 restoration project will replace worn-out wording.

The plaque is dedicated to William Townsend, who left money for the houses to be built in 1827.

The 18 almshouses in Witney are looked after by the Witney Town Charity.

Michael Druce, chairman of the charity, said: “This work is very important. The charity is responsible for this, as it’s a part of Witney’s history.

“It’s an important part that should be preserved.”

The work has been grant-aided by West Oxfordshire District Council, which donated £500 to the project.

The Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust and the PF Charitable Trust also contributed.

Neil Morrison, from the Witney Town Charity, added: “The inscription has got worn and weathered, and is very difficult to read. Some of the framework around is crumbling, which will be restored. The wording is being replaced.”

It is hoped that, in the coming months, a similar project will begin at the six Holloway Almshouses in Station Lane.

The restoration of both plaques will cost up to £9,000 together.