Newly unearthed damage at a fire-ravaged mansion is being repaired using a fund set aside for improvements.

Problems like dry rot, broken fixtures and a sagging roof are not covered by insurance and will "eat into" a £150,000 improvement fund for Ewell Court House.

Planned improvements include new downstairs toilets, wifi, an intercom, a zonal heating system, better kitchen lighting, disabled access and steps to the lawn.

Last Tuesday, Epsom Council’s leisure committee approved fees and charges for 2015-16 as well as plans for large event hirers to cover the community groups’ share of VAT.

Surrey Comet:

Councillor Eber Kington, who sits on the county and borough councils, gave a "little health warning" that unexpected repairs were being funded from money allocated by the council for improvements.

He said: "It’s quite a big sum of money but of course every time something comes up that’s not covered by insurance it eats into that £150,000."

Surrey Comet:

He added: "It looks like it is going to be restored much more to its original state than we anticipated. But we are going to try to keep costs down and make sure the betterment goes on."

Epsom Council has decided to repair other parts of its building, such as the fascia boards, while builders are on site.

Coun Kington said in an update to residents: "These are areas that have deteriorated over the years, not due to the fire, and therefore they are not covered by insurance.

"However it is important that we don’t lose this opportunity to repair and re-new."

Surrey Comet:

The wreckage caused by the huge fire