WORK has started on an innovative scheme to transform a 14th century moated site at Warrington into a community and wildlife asset.
Local residents, working with Groundwork Cheshire and the borough council’s Stronger Together team are uncovering a historic gem – the remains of the Barrow Old Hall moated site.
The site is a scheduled ancient monument, which means it is considered to be of national importance and is legally protected.
Largely overgrown, it is being transformed into a more useable green space and wildlife habitat which will also promote the long and important history of the site.
Cllr Kate Hannon, the council’s executive member for leisure, community and culture, said: “This is such great project which involves preserving an important site from our town’s history while transforming it into a relevant feature for today’s community.
“It’s fascinating to think that about 700 years since it was first built, we are breathing new life into the site. We are eagerly anticipating seeing the end result.”
The scheme is being funded by FCC Environment (through landfill communities funds administered by WREN), Stronger Together, Groundwork, and United Utilities.
The Barrow Old Hall estate is first recorded during the 1300s. It was rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries but finally demolished in 1924. For many years now the site has been relatively untouched.
Work so far carried out has involved clearing old trees and shrubs to reveal historic moats and a 200-year-old stone bridge.
It is expected the scheme will be completed before Christmas.
Local supporter David Parr said: “It is fantastic that residents, community groups and local agencies are working together, to reveal some of the beautiful features of the historic site. The first steps, have been to remove litter and expose the moats and bridge, and it will be great if we can create and maintain a beautiful community space from a site which has been unused and unloved for many years”.
Pictured: Some of the team working on the scheme…and the 200-year-old bridge
Restoring a historic gem
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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Well Done!