A GRADE two listed historical building designed to accommodate poor people has undergone a £215,000 renovation project.

Building work started at the Law Memorial Alms House in Bishops Tawton in March this year. The property had consisted of 12 ground and first-floor bedsits with a meeting room at the southern end. It now has new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating and wiring. Eight bedsits have also been converted into four two-bedroom cottages.

The property was built in 1885 in memory of surgeon Thomas Shephard Law and his son William Henry Law. Today it is run as a charity. The work was funded through savings along with loans from the Alms Houses Association and Triodos Bank.

Chairman of the charity trustees Anne Sherlock said: “The building was in a bit of a state and in desperate need of modernisation. The work is very nearly complete and looks very good indeed. Three of the two-bedroom cottages are still available to adults and couples aged 45 and over.”

The official opening by Colonel Anthony De Ritter, director of the Alms Houses Association is on October 15, at 2pm. For information about the accommodation phone Miles Sellick at North Devon Homes on 01271 312500.