Time to preserve our heritage

THE fact that the fate of one of Warrington’s most historic buildings still hangs in the balance is almost criminal.
The public inquiry into the future of Bewsey Old Hall has been dramatically halted – apparently because of a blunder by the would-be developers who submitted proposals for apartments in the grounds of the Grade 2 listed hall, apparently taking up more space than originally envisaged.
A three day inquiry was adjourned and will now be resumed on September 30.
Developers are appealing against Warrington Borough Council’s refusal to grant planning consent for the conversion of
building into apartments and the construction of 48 more apartments in the grounds.
Bewsey Old Hall is arguably Warrington’s most historic building. But despite various attempts to bring it back into use, it has stood virtually unused and in a deteriorating condition for many years. Objectors to the current proposal would prefer to see the building preserved for community use.
In 1997 a campaign was launched to turn it into a tourist attraction – but came to nothing.
I find it hard to believe that a building of such historic importance can be left in the hands of a Government quango like the Homes and Communities Agency, formerly English Partherships and private property developers.
Warrington has already lost much of its heritage and steps should be taken to preserve what is left.