Funding secured to enhance medieval castle

Funding has been secured for safety and remedial work at a medieval castle in the Cheshire town of Runcorn.

Halton Borough Council said the work at Halton Castle would improve safety and security and enable safe public access.

The authority said undergrowth would continue to be cut back to reveal more of the Grade I-listed castle's remaining features.

Reform UK councillor John Davies, who represents Halton Castle ward, said he was "absolutely made up" by the announcement.

The development follows a campaign by residents and councillors to make the castle more visible and raise its profile.

Campaigners previously told the BBC that overgrown trees had obscured the landmark, which dates back to 1071 and is one of two surviving Norman castles in Cheshire.

The council said it had been working with its heritage advisers at Norton Priory, a conservation specialist and Historic England to identify appropriate improvements.

A specialist contractor is due to be appointed shortly to carry out the safety, security and remedial work.

Davies said vegetation clearance needed to be followed by long-term maintenance.

"We need to make sure that that is maintained and that we can always see this castle," he said.

He added that previous attempts to improve the site had lost momentum and the latest effort should not become a "flash in the pan".

He said the creation of the Friends of Halton Castle group and renewed interest in the site meant "the planets have now aligned".

The Friends of Halton Castle group has been campaigning to raise the site's profile, with pub manager Helen Riley previously describing it as "one of Runcorn's biggest secrets".

The castle is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and leased to the council. As a Grade I-listed and scheduled monument, restrictions apply to the work that can be carried out there.

The council said it wanted to explore artistic lighting for the castle, although further funding would have to be secured.

Two free coach tours are planned for 19 September, visiting cultural and historic sites around Halton, with one departing from Halton Castle.

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