Flint Memories: Councillor criticises Welsh Assembly Government's care of Flint Castle

By Flintshire Chronicle on Nov 8, 09 05:21 PM in Before 1500

A FLINT councillor has blasted the Welsh Assembly Government's attitude towards the town's most historic monument, writes Eleanor Barlow.

At a meeting on Monday, Flint Town Council received a letter from Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones turning down a request from Sandy Mewies to meet council members and discuss Flint Castle's promotion and security.

Enclosed with the letter was a message from visitor services manager of WAG's historic environment service, Cadw, advising the minister to turn down the council's invitation while discussions with officials continued.

The council put in the request after Cadw decided to close the castle temporarily in August following reports of anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

Cllr Ian Roberts said: "I find it particularly offensive that he was advised to turn down the invitation, presumably while Cadw covers itself for the absolutely unforgivable closure of the castle in the summer."

He added: "Cadw's promotion of unstaffed monuments is nonexistent, they are only interested in places where people pay to get in.

"The only events held there are arranged by us or Flintshire County Council, Cadw does absolutely nothing.

"If they attended to the castle better it might not be in the state it's in.

The council decided to ask Sandy Mewies if there was someone else in the assembly they could see to discuss the matter.

A WAG spokesman said: "Cadw remains committed to the conservation, presentation and promotion of Flint castle.

"It has spent £30,000 on remedial works to repair damage and to install railings to prevent out of hours access and a further £30,000 on CCTV monitored by Flintshire Council.

"Cadw was instrumental in lobbying for the monument and castle grounds to become an alcohol-free zone.

"Cadw officials met earlier this month with local representatives at Flint including North Wales Police, Flint Town Council, the local Young People's Drug & Alcohol Awareness team and Youth Development Worker to discuss ways of addressing the problems and to explore, as soon as possible, options to drive improved community engagement and use of the castle by local people and organisations."