Proposed Repairs to Sandal Castle

While I was visiting Sandal Castle in Yorkshire last month I did think that the site was in urgent need of repair. Walkways were unsafe and were boarded up and this caused people to climb the banks. Also, and to my amazement, three teenagers were climbing and mucking about the walls.

​Photographs two and three show the children, click on the photos for a clearer image.

First and foremost is the safety of the public, but this kind of behaviour damages the ruins and once they've gone so has our heritage, and Sandal Castle plays a big part in that. Therefore new proposals to repair and improve the site can only be good news.

Friends of Sandal Castle write:

The proposals take into account the state of disrepair of the monument as a result of the closure of the bridge and walkways and they highlight the fact that the public is concerned that this important historical site is slowly deteriorating. They also make note of the obligations upon them to comply with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act of 1979.
The proposals are wide-ranging and include removal of the vegetation growing on the monuments, replacement of all the wooden structures, including the platform on the keep, the bridges and walkways and putting a plan in place to maintain the site. A considerable capital investment of up to £734,000 is required.

You can read the report here:

mg.wakefield.gov.uk/documents/s87963/Cabinet%20Report%20Sandal%20Castle%20FINAL%20updated%2026.10.17.pdf