Repairs at hall to take months

It could take up to two years to rebuild a Saxon hall, near Kidderminster, which was gutted by fire. And the cost may have to be met by a public appeal, it was revealed today.

The Hall stood in the grounds of the Bishops Wood Environmental Centre at Crossway Green, near Hartlebury, and was officially opened by Time Team television presenter Phil Harding nine years ago.

But the barn-like structure burned to the ground on November 4.

Fire crews were called to try to save the construction where thousands of schoolchildren took part in Saxon and Viking studies.

They believe the blaze stemmed from an open fire which cracked the surround and set light to timbers. Fortunately, the timber construction was well away from the main building at the centre, run in partnership with the National Grid, Worcestershire County Council and Worcester College of Technology.

Today the head of the centre John Rhymer said: "It took four years to construct with people working two to three days-a-week.

"There is a will among staff to have the hall rebuilt but this could take as long as two years. If the insurance does not pay to meet the cost then we may have to launch a public appeal."