THREATENED WINTER CLOSURE OF TOTNES CASTLE

Totnes Castle, at the heart of our town, is a scheduled monument, a Grade 1

listed building and is one of the finest examples of a motte and bailey castle in

England. Since 1984 the castle has been under the stewardship of English

Heritage, open daily throughout the summer and at weekends in winter.

Totnes never was invaded or besieged so the castle didn't have to be used for

defence but now the castle faces a new threat as it has been identified by

English Heritage as one of their historic buildings that will be closed as from

autumn of this year at weekends in winter. English Heritage is making a big

mistake in our view and we want it to understand just what the castle means

to the town.

There are a great many local people who are English Heritage members just

so that they can access the areas surrounding the castle, the bailey, as a

leisure facility. Any day of the week in summer and on bright weekends in

winter people pop in to walk their dogs, to exercise, meditate, or just sit and

enjoy the beautiful peaceful space.

Totnes is an all year round tourist destination which is why the Caravan Club

site on Steamer Quay is now open all year round for visitors. The castle is a

must on any visitor's list. And plenty of locals enjoy taking their own weekend

winter visitors to the castle, such a great place to climb up to the top of the

walls and marvel at the spectacular views of the town.

Closing the castle permanently for the winter months will compromise the

integrity of the building. There will be no staff checking on maintenance

problems and the threat of vandalism will increase without a regular weekly

presence there to act as a deterrent.

Berry Pomeroy castle is also being considered for winter weekend closure

which means the only castle left for people to visit will be Dartmouth. That

can't be right in the South Hams, a major tourist destination all year round.

Totnes Heritage Trust, along with local town and district councillors, is making

a strong representation to English Heritage against the weekend closures.

Let's make our voices heard to keep the castle at the heart of our town alive

all year round.