The future of Hartlebury Castle, just outside Kidderminster, is uncertain after the Bishop of Worcester vacated this property. The Bishop of Worcester used the majority of the castle as his official residence, whilst Worcestershire County Council holds a nineteen year lease on one third of the property, where the County Museum is housed.
However, with the departure of the Bishop, fears abound that the castle may be sold to a property developer and this important historic county asset may be lost forever.
The Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library are urging supporters to write to the County Council to show support for the campaign to persuade the council to buy the remaining portion of the property for the benefit of the county as a whole.
Mark Garnier says:
"I am completely in support of this asset being secured for the county as a whole. Whilst it is just outside Wyre Forest, it is close enough to act as a visitor attraction and certainly compliments local attractions such as Harvington Hall, the Severn Valley Railway, the Safari Park and Bewdley Museum. Visitors to Wyre Forest will bring more money and help boost our local economy.
"The good news is that campaigners are pushing against an open door. The council is keen to secure this asset for the county, but they need to prepare a sound business case to do so. That is why it is important that people submit their ideas to the council suggesting ways that Hartlebury Castle can be used to generate an income so that the burden of ownership does not rest on the hard pressed council tax payer.
"I will certainly be writing with my ideas, but I would urge all Wyre Forest residents to do likewise so we can keep this valuable attraction in the public domain."
Interested people should contact:
Debbie Birch
Heritage Partnership Manager
Worcestershire County Council
County Hall
WR5 2NP
For further information, also contact the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library