PUTTING the public high on the agenda has earned Master’s House contractor, Speller Metcalfe, an impressive national accolade for courtesy.

The company has been awarded an “Exceptionally Considerate Constructors” score of 37.5 out of 40, for the way it has worked hard to keep the Ledbury community informed about the refurbishment and renovation of one of the town’s key mediaeval buildings.

The scheme encourages contractors to follow a voluntary code of practice for construction sites, and compliance and progress is monitored through site visits.

Spellar Metcalfe has achieved such a high score for its work in Ledbury through a range of measures, from arranging school visits, and public open days, to the Master’s House to providing regular blog updates on the internet.

And to boost the local economy and reduce carbon emissions, the contractor has sourced over 70 per cent of materials and labour from within 30 miles of Ledbury.

Company spokesman Kim Davison said: “This fantastic score places Speller Metcalfe in the top 10 per cent of contractors in the country."

Ed Mandrell, site manager for Speller Metcalfe, said: “This is a fantastic recognition of all the hard work that not only goes into the project itself, but our efforts in engaging the local community about our work and giving something back.”

Herefordshire Council has already secured a £39,300 development grant for the development project, and it plans to bid for a full grant of £995,700.

The money will be used to turn the Master’s House into a “public services hub”, including a new town library, registrar’s service, council offices and offices for Ledbury Voluntary Action.

The building in St Katherine’s car park could also house the John Masefield archives.