SUCCESSFUL Godmanchester motor insurance broker Sureterm Direct is set to expand into new premises after restoring a Grade II-listed building across the road. The company, which operates from historic Bridge Place, specialises in niche markets such as 4x4

SUCCESSFUL Godmanchester motor insurance broker Sureterm Direct is set to expand into new premises after restoring a Grade II-listed building across the road.

The company, which operates from historic Bridge Place, specialises in niche markets such as 4x4 and classic vehicles, kit cars and motor-homes, has bought the former Crossing Keeper's Cottage, which has been subjected to repeated vandalism in recent years and has fallen into disrepair.

The firm is familiar to people travelling between Godmanchester and Huntingdon for its fleet of liveried vehicles parked near the premises close to the 13th century bridge linking the two ancient towns.

Sureterm Direct, which has 72 employees and 72,000 clients, has been operating for 10 years. It has been granted planning permission by Huntingdonshire planners to convert the cottage to offices, restore all its original features and add a glass extension to the building, which is close to the A14.

General manager Sue Hessom said: "We are delighted with the council's decision, which will enable us to transform the building into something of which Godmanchester can be proud.

"Crossing Keeper's Cottage is a lovely building, but it had been allowed to fall into a complete state of disrepair and had simply become a playground for vandals.

"We bought it in April and plan to restore the cottage to its original beauty. Our extension will create additional office space and all in all the structure and land around it will be given a completely new lease of life.