Urgent repair work at castle after safety concerns

Urgent repairs are being made to the walls of Shrewsbury Castle after safety concerns saw a footpath closed, Shropshire Council has said.

Work to put up scaffolding around the building started on Monday and the repairs will see four sections of the battlements removed and put into secure storage ahead of further work next year.

The council said it had secured Scheduled Ancient Monument consent to carry out temporary work on the walls next to the castle and the railway station.

Council deputy leader Alex Wagner said Historic England had granted consent for the work on the Grade I listed building.

Earlier this month, the council said a section of the Dana footpath had been closed.

It has now said the path is likely to remain closed over the Christmas period.

The Dana footbridge and steps down to the station remain open, providing access to Castle Gates.

Limited access is being maintained for residents in case of emergency.

Wagner said "significant safety concerns" about some of the battlements had meant the path was closed at the start of December.

He said access had been restricted for safety reasons and repairs would begin shortly to ensure the monument is protected.

"Whilst we appreciate this closure is frustrating for residents and visitors who use this important footpath, public safety remains paramount," he said.

Councillor Alan Mosley, local member for Castlefields and Ditherington, said temporary measures were expected to be completed within seven to 14 days but would now be extended into January.

He said: "Issues with the walls have been known about for years and works should have been undertaken to prevent deterioration to such a dangerous extent."

However, he said he believed officers were acting appropriately, adding he would continue to put pressure on them to ensure rapid progress, so the path could be reopened.

Historic England describes the castle as being built in several phases between 1164 and 1300, with an upper storey constructed in 1596.

Engineer Thomas Telford remodelled the castle in 1780 and it underwent further restoration and alterations in the 20th Century.

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