One of Dorchester's 'hidden' heritage buildings has been damaged by beetles and is now in need of repairs.

The listed property, in South Street, is owned by a Dorset charity and rented out to a shoe shop.

Many would not give it a second glance although the upper floors are listed for their historical and architectural significance.

An application has now been made to Dorset Council to carry out timber repairs and strengthening works to the second floor and to make some internal alterations.

The application for the 9 South Street 4-storey listed building comes from the Charity of William Williams via agents Symonds and Sampson.

The charity itself dates back to 1621 and offers support to individuals and organisations which help others in the Blandford Forum, Sturminster Newton and Shaftesbury areas.

It was set up in the name of the Blandford merchant with a sum of £3,000 from his will which at the time produced an annual income of £140 to be spent for the benefit of poor boys from the three towns who were fatherless and needed clothing for their apprenticeships to fishermen, or masters of ships and boats.

The agents say in a report to Dorset Council that cracking was first spotted in 2018 to the ceiling of a first floor storage area to the front of the building which led to the discovery of damaged timber joists and beams caused by beetles in timbers on the second floor.

A removal of a lathe and plaster ceiling revealed that the beetle infestation had caused a loss of strength to the central beam running from front to back of the building, leading to one area being cleared and steel straps being installed in 2020 to prevent any further movement.

Said Symonds and Sampson in the application for the listed building repairs: "The proposed works will involve the strengthening of the existing timber beams where they are most severely damaged, repairs to damaged timber joists, installation of steel restraints, installation of timber sister floor joists and installation of hangers to the floor joists where they have pulled away from the central beam."

The agents say access into and around the building will not be affected by the proposed works.