THE lengthy and painstaking repair work of an historic bank building in a Gwent border town is complete.

For almost two years the NatWest bank in Chepstow's Beaufort Square has been under wraps - plastic sheeting and scaffolding poles - as its exterior was replaced.

The job, which had to be done under the scrutiny on Wales heritage group Cadw, took longer than expected due to the specialist materials that had to be used.

The Grade II listed building has been transformed into a shining example of the architectural restorer's art.

The prominent three-storey building emerged from its "shroud" recently to reveal a pristine new "face" which has changed colour from its former Burgundy to a light olive green.

The painstaking work saw the building undergo a complete re-render which is some parts required patching and partial rebuilding of the ancient walls of what quite some years ago was an hotel.

And such was the attention to detail required from Welsh monuments group Cadw that traditional putty lime had to be sourced from Cornwall to complete the job.

The state of the bank came in for criticism from some quarters during the lengthy work for the state of the building in the heart of the tourist town and the closing off of access to the pavement on Middle Street.

Chepstow mayor Henry Hodges, who is also secretary of the town's influential Chepstow Society, said: "We are very pleased with the way the work has turned out."

He said the bank building, which was once part of the long closed Three Cranes Hotel just across the road, was an important part of the Beaufort Square street scene. He said: "It has taken a long time to complete and there were concerns over pavement access on Middle street but hopefully this is now all a thing of the past."

Steve Rees, manager for the Newport and Chepstow NatWest group, said: "The remedial work on the Chepstow branch did take longer than we anticipated. However, I am pleased that the scaffolding has come down at long last revealing high standard of workmanship and preservation work.

"The project has restored the property to its former glory and will certainly help to enhance the historic image of the town."

The bank's manager, Paul Mainwaring said: "The bank looks marvellous after it refurbishment and I am sure that it is appreciated by our customers as well."

Mr Mainwaring said the bank has increased its opening hours to coincide with the unveiling of its new "face" with the bank opening from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Mondays and Fridays against 10am to 3pm for the other three days of the week.

*PICTURED: The mayor Chepstow, Henry Hodges, prepares to cut the tape at the new premises watched by NatWest staff (from left) Steve Rees, Julia Bennett, Elisabeth Smith and Paul Mainwaring.