THE workers behind the Market Place redevelopment scheme were welcomed inside Cirencester Parish Church for bacon rolls and coffee to say thank-you for all their hard work.

Father Leonard Doolan and Mayor Mark Harris brought the Milbrooke Construction team in from the cold last Friday, with the works – ‘90 per cent complete’ – now on hold until after Christmas.

Cllr Harris has also assured residents that the work is still ‘on time’ and ‘on budget’ despite disruptions, congratulating the workers for their patience.

Father Doolan said: “We have weddings, funerals, memorial services and civic functions and at each point Milbrooke has ensured that the works have had as little negative impact as possible on these special days – much to the gratitude of the people involved.”

Cllr Harris said: “Now the regeneration is 90 per cent complete, members of the public have been telling us how good they think it is.

“There were occasional doubters, some of whom, sadly, have given the workforce a hard time – but they have dealt with this noisy minority with good grace and patience.”

He went on to say: “We are delighted with the work they have done, on time, despite disruptions, and on budget.

“The workers will return on January 4, after the Christmas shopping period, to finish up and deal with any snagging.”

The coffee and bacon rolls were paid for by an anonymous donor and provided by Côte Brasserie on Black Jack Street.