A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save Newport Castle after a video emerged showing parts of the ancient building crumbling into the River Usk.
More than 600 people have signed a petition calling for the castle to be saved from ‘being destroyed by the River Usk’, with dozens of people warning that part of Newport’s history should be preserved for future generations.
The petition calls for Cadw, the organisation responsible for preserving castles across Wales, ‘to act fast before the river claims what’s left of it’.
After the campaign was launched the Welsh Government’s historic environment service Cadw said they were aware of the damage at Newport Castle and would be acting as soon as possible.
A spokesman said: “Our aim is to repair and protect the castle as quickly as possible as part of our commitment to safeguard Wales’ heritage for future generations.”
Dozens of people have left messages on the petition site condemning the deterioration of the castle and calling for action to be taken to preserve it.
Local residents, as well as others from Australia and Canada, warned that ‘history can’t be replaced’ and that it should be preserved for future generations.
Jason Cameron, who now lives in Toowong, Australia, said: “Used to live in Newport and I love seeing the castle ruins every time I get back there.”
Kerry Silverston, from Newport, said: “The castle is a significant piece of Newport history.
“Heritage is important for any town or city. Let’s be more than just a city with a new shopping centre. Embrace Newport’s past too.”
Theresa MacDonald, of Chatham in Canada, said: “This is a wonderful piece of the past. It has to be preserved, whatever it takes.
“It would be unbelievably irresponsible to let it crumble. It’s lasted this long, don't let anything happen on our watch. Preserve it for future generations.”
Natural Resources Wales, which works on flood defences across Wales, said that due to its proximity to the River Usk the area around the castle is susceptible to erosion.
Tom Lewis, from Natural Resources Wales, said: “We would only undertake works where erosion was impacting on our existing flood defences.
“In this instance, we do not have any defences close to the castle.”
He added: “With limited resources, Natural Resources Wales’ work to build, maintain and improve flood defences has to focus on where it will have the greatest benefit to reduce the risk of flooding to people and properties.
“However, private flood protection work could be undertaken by the land or property owners if they obtained the appropriate permissions and permits.”
A spokesman from Newport council said CADW is the body responsible for Newport Castle and that it had passed on concerns for officers to investigate.
“We are confident they will take steps to protect the castle if found necessary,” he added.
The petition can be signed at https://www.change.org/p/cadw-save-newport-castle-from-being-destroyed-by-the-river-usk?recruiter=27633527&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink
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AN ARGUS reader has sent a video showing part of Newport Castle collapsing into the River Usk.
Andrew Sterry posted the video on our Facebook page showing dust and fragments of the castle walls falling into the river below.
Have you seen bits of the castle falling off? Let us know by leaving a comment, e-mailing newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk or tweet us @southwalesargus
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