Temporary repairs take place on Shrewsbury Castle walls
Shropshire Council has secured Scheduled Ancient Monument consent to carry out urgent temporary repairs to the castle walls adjacent to Shrewsbury Castle and the railway station.
This will include the removal of the four sections of crenelations in the poorest condition and their secure storage ahead of a main set of repairs that are being planned for next year.
To ensure public safety, the footpath past this section of the castle wall will remain closed while repairs are undertaken. Every effort will be made to keep the closure to an absolute minimum; however, it is likely to remain in place over the Christmas period. Limited access will be maintained for residents in cases of emergency.
The Dana footbridge and steps down to the station remain open providing access for the able bodied to Castle Gates. To ensure public safety, the footpath in this area will remain closed while repairs are undertaken.
Every effort will be made to keep the closure to an absolute minimum; however, it is likely to remain in place over the Christmas period. Limited access will be maintained for residents in cases of emergency.
Shropshire Council apologises for the ongoing inconvenience to residents that the essential closure of this section of the Dana footpath is causing whilst we continue to protect public safety.
Cllr Alan Mosley, local member for Castlefields and Ditherington, said:
"I’m angry that I was told, and residents informed, that these temporary remedial measures would be completed within 7 to 14 days but are now to be extended into January. The need for various permissions should have been obvious from the outset.
"Issues with the walls have been known about for years and works should have been undertaken to prevent deterioration to such a dangerous extent.
"Unfortunately, local people have been subject to significant distress as a consequence of the station Gyratory works and this adds insult to injury.
"However, I believe that officers are now acting appropriately and I will continue to put pressure on them to ensure rapid progress so that the path is opened as soon as it is safe to do so."
Cllr Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader, added:
"Significant safety concerns about some of the crenellations – or battlements – meant the path was closed at the start of December.
"The council’s priority is to restrict access for safety reasons until the necessary repairs can be completed.
"Given the Castle’s status as both a Scheduled Monument and Grade I listed building, we are extremely grateful to Historic England for granting consent for these temporary works. The carefully planned repairs will commence shortly to ensure the historic monument is protected, and the work is carried out safely and efficiently by the council’s appointed contractor.
"Whilst we appreciate this closure is frustrating for residents and visitors who use this important footpath, public safety remains paramount. It is therefore necessary for part of the footpath to remain closed throughout the works."
