Wells' famous Vicars' Close is getting a facelift – and the first phase of work on No. 16 is nearly done.

The front roof repairs are finished, with scaffolding already coming down ahead of schedule and just in time for the start of the new school term. Work is now moving to the back of the building, with re-roofing, internal fixes and fresh render on the rear elevation due to be wrapped up in the next two weeks.

Project managers say phase one has stayed on budget and on track despite a tight timetable – crediting the efficiency of the design team and main contractor.

The multi-million-pound restoration of Vicars' Close, backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is aimed at securing the medieval street's future.

Believed to be the oldest complete residential street in Europe, Vicars' Close is one of Wells' most photographed landmarks and a key part of the city's heritage.

A project spokesperson said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to begin work to save this historic street."