CAMPAIGNERS fighting for the restoration of Newport’s castle feel that nothing has been done a year after they started their petition.
The petition, which has over 1,100 supporters, started after a video emerged showing parts of the ancient building crumbling into the River Usk.
A spokeswoman from Cadw, the organisation responsible for preserving castles across Wales, said that Cadw’s conservation property team carries out monthly inspections of the castle and that no signs of damage have been found.
Twenty-five-year-old Mark Powis, from Rogerstone, who started the petition in change.org, said the castle looks like a pile of rubbish. “So much conservation work needs to be done,” he said. “The ideal solution would be for them to restore the castle and turn it into a tourist attraction.”
Chairman of Newport Civic Society Nicolas Webb said: “Many cities make a real feature of their castles, sadly ours is isolated behind railings.
“If safety concerns make access impossible, perhaps viewing points could be created so there is a way to integrate this part of our history into the modern life of the city.”
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates said: “Following reports of possible falling masonry at Newport castle last summer, I asked my officials in Cadw to conduct a full condition survey of the building, together with inspections at height, and both were completed by 21 August 2015.
“No defects were found at the site but as part of the inspection Cadw carried out clearance of some high level Valerian plant growth.
“Since then, the castle has been inspected monthly by our conservation property team for any signs of damage and no new issues have been identified or reported.”
A Cadw spokeswoman said that, when officers visited the site on Tuesday afternoon, there were homeless people at the castle. She said: “They have put up barriers and scaffold netting to make it look like a works site, possibly so they won’t be seen from the road.
“We are in touch with Newport City Council housing who are investigating the issue.”
A spokeswoman for Newport City Council, which is responsible for carrying out daily litter picks and report any damages to the monument to Cadw, said: “The castle and the grounds are not normally open to the public and the gates are locked.
“The council funds a service provided by The Wallich which tries to engage directly with the small number of rough sleepers in the city. The homeless charity offers practical support, help and guidance.
“Any Newport resident who has nowhere safe to stay can approach the council who will do all it can to find them somewhere to say on a temporary basis until a more permanent solution can be found.”
To sign the petition, visit change.org/p/cadw-save-newport-castle-from-being-destroyed-by-the-river-usk
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