New plans for 'England's grandest monument'

Plans to improve the visitor experience at a Lancashire attraction once described as "England's grandest monument" are set to be considered by councillors.

An application to install a replacement lift at the Grade-I listed Ashton Memorial in Lancaster's Williamson Park will go before the city council later this month.

The huge memorial was built between 1906 and 1909 by wealthy industrialist Lord William Ashton, in memory of his second wife.

The replacement lift is one of a number of planned improvements at the park set to be considered by the council.

The council owns the park and monument, which are leading attractions, hosting events and weddings.

A separate planning application has been lodged to demolish a 1980s wooden pavilion-style former café and shop, both rendered unsafe due to their deteriorating condition.

Planning permission is required because the location is in the official Williamson Park Conservation Area.

The cleared area will then be covered in stone paving with a white picket fence built around it, before a long-term plan is finalised for the site.

In comments to the council, the Lancaster Civic Vision group said it 'regrets' the loss of the café building but accepts it is no longer fit for purpose, and outlined its hopes for a replacement ahead of the new tourist season.

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