MP backs campaign for 'urgent' castle repairs

Campaigners calling for urgent repair and maintenance work at Knaresborough's 900-year-old castle have received support from an MP.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said years of "unacceptable neglect" had left the castle in urgent need of care, with crumbling stonework, overgrown areas and unsafe paths.

He has urged government to encourage North Yorkshire Council, which is responsible for the castle's maintenance, to work with site owner the Duchy of Lancaster to prioritise a restoration plan.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said it offered financial support including its Heritage Revival Fund which "councils are eligible to apply for".

Kathy Allday, chair of the Knaresborough Museum Association, who started the campaign calling for repairs in September with Liz Baxandall, said the poor state of the castle was spoiling an area that was much-loved by visitors and residents.

She said: "I've seen it get worse and worse over the last few years.

"If the deterioration continues because of a lack of appropriate maintenance, then it could become dangerous and it's going to put tourists off, and businesses will close."

Ms Allday said it was not just the castle, but also the land around it, that had been neglected by the council.

"The sycamores are taking over so where you would normally sit on the benches overlooking the stunning Nidd Gorge, you can barely see the view," she said, adding: "I'm just so upset about it."

Several events take place at Knaresborough Castle throughout the year, including Glastonbury screenings, theatre performances, and an annual bed race.

Ms Allday said having the local MP on board had really "boosted" the number of supporters.

"I don't know anyone who is against it. Everybody knows the significance of the castle to the town's economy," she said.

Nic Harne, North Yorkshire Council's corporate director for community development, said the council was committed to working with others to protect the castle.

He said: "Knaresborough Castle is an important heritage and cultural asset for the town, as well as a popular attraction for residents and visitors.

"While the facility has generated annual revenues of around £92,000, the running costs exceed this figure, and we do not anticipate the situation will improve."

He said the council had already spent almost £400,000 on repair work in recent years.

Tom Gordon said he believed Knaresborough Castle would be better off if it was looked after by Knaresborough Town Council, rather than North Yorkshire Council.

"If you don't go in and you don't invest and don't maintain something, then it will cost more to repair," he said.

"The castle is really at the heart of the town, and for local people seeing it left to go to rack and ruin is really, really devastating.

"This is our history, it's our heritage."

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