Halton Memories: Resident's bid to save Halton Castle walls from invasion of ivy

By Runcorn And Widnes Weekly News on Sep 25, 09 04:46 PM in Before 1500

A FURIOUS Runcorn resident is predicting a bleak future for Halton Castle because of ivy damaging the brick work.

Tony Miller, of Sandymoor, fears the 900-year-old, Grade I listed building will have to be demolished 'within our lifetime' if vegetation is not dealt with.

He said greenery, especially ivy, will crumble mortar in the brick work and roots will undermine the foundations.

The growth has been so rapid, he said, that previously accessible and visible areas.
Mr Miller has demanded to know what is being done to stop plant life damaging the building, which is one of two Norman castles in Halton.

He added that he has visited Halton Castle since his childhood and slammed any future demise as 'a sad day for this country'.

He said: "I wrote to the Weekly News more than 12 months ago about the state of Halton Castle, but, unfortunately, it is rapidly falling into disrepair, and may in our lifetime disappear. It doesn't take a minute to trim the stuff down and if you look at pictures of the castle down the years, it's getting smaller."

Clare McDade, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens director, said: "We're very aware of the vegetation as we carry out weekly checks, but repairs are complex because it's historic mortar. We're concerned that removing vegetation will cause further damage. It will be looked at very carefully and we are actively assessing repairs and improving access.

"We have to work in partnership with Halton Council and two major meetings will take place in September and October, and we will discuss all aspects from security and access to conservation."

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