AN eminent architectural historian and author has launched a scathing attack on some of Chester’s most famous structures in his Private Eye magazine column. PAUL MANNION reports

IN Private Eye’s “Nooks and Corners” column – one of the satirical magazine's most famous sections – Gavin Stamp, writing under the pseudonym Piloti, calls Chester Castle a “supreme example of municipal neglect and philistinism” and goes on to describe the Grosvenor Bridge as “neglected and vandalised”.

Titled “On The Endangered List”, the internationally renowned author’s column slams Cheshire West and Chester Council and English Heritage for allowing “some of the finest structures in the land” to fall into neglect.

He said: “Chester Castle, for example, is listed Grade I. Designed by Thomas Harrison in 1785, the castle was rebuilt as a grand composition of county buildings.

“Pevsner described the result as ‘one of the most powerful monuments of the Greek Revival in England’. But today you will find it a supreme example of municipal neglect and philistinism.

“Electric cables and pipes disfigure the once magnificent ashlar stonework, which is also being damaged by plants growing from joints and parapets.

“A tree rises from the roof of the entrance gate or propylaeum. This was pointed out to Chester City Council four years ago. Nothing has happened since – except that the tree has grown bigger.

“English Heritage looks after the surviving medieval parts of the castle: why doesn’t it do something?

“Nearby is the Grosvenor Bridge across the River Dee, also designed by Harrison and listed Grade I.

“When it opened in 1833, it was the largest single arch stone bridge in the world with a span of 200 feet.

“This amazing, beautiful structure is also neglected and vandalised. Chester is as wealthy as it is pleased with itself; is there any reason why its council should not try to look after buildings in the city of national importance? “

English Heritage, which is responsible for looking after the 12th century Agricola Tower and the Castle Walls, said: “English Heritage has been asked by a concerned member of the public to look at the condition of some of the Grade I listed buildings in the area of the castle, particularly the Grade I listed Grosvenor Bridge and the 19th century buildings including the principal entrance and the courts.

“We are currently following up this request, and if it appears that action is needed we will follow this up with Cheshire West and Chester Council.”

In January, regeneration experts BDP, who masterminded the Liverpool ONE development, were appointed by Chester Renaissance to create a city management masterplan – funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and English Heritage – proposing to regenerate the cathedral and its surroundings, the Rows and Chester Castle.

Chester Renaissance chief executive Rita Waters said: “The article is wholly inaccurate. There’s nothing neglected or vandalised – in fact there has been major investment over the years.”

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester council said: “We work closely with English Heritage which is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the older part of Chester Castle.

“Chester Renaissance has commissioned a masterplan for the castle and details will be released shortly.

“Prior to local government reorganisation, Cheshire County Council carried out a series of repairs to Grosvenor Bridge. Cheshire West and Chester Council, which is now responsible for the bridge, will continue to maintain the structure in its current good condition.

“We will ensure that vegetation is removed on a regular basis and we have programmed removal of graffiti.”