Lib Dems call for vital Christchurch Tower repairs

A proposal by the Conservatives to stop £150,000 of repairs needed to Folkestone's Christchurch Tower has been slammed by local Liberal Democrats.

In 2006, a survey was made of the 158 year old tower's condition and £145,000 for repairs was put into the Council budget over the next 2 years. A Council report is now suggesting removing those funds from the Council's budget. It says last year's earthquake had "seismically tested" the tower - but also proposes to build a fence around the tower as a precaution.

Lib Dem Campaigner Neil Matthews said:

"Many local people had their house 'tested' in the earthquake in 2007, and have had to make expensive repairs since. If big repairs were needed to Christchurch Tower two years ago, then an earthquake and two years wait will hardly have made things better!

"Leaving the tower to decay or fencing it off would be a disgrace. A fence would look awful and block access to the Burma Star memorial. The required repairs should be made, and quickly, before any more stone falls from the tower. What would happen if someone was hit?"

Folkestone Town Councillor for Harvey Central ward, Gary Fuller, also commented:

"On looking round the tower, there is clear evidence that stone has fallen from the top - including quite big blocks. There is a Burma Star memorial on the tower wall, and children play nearby: what would happen if a stone fell on someone paying their respects or a child playing? The Council have the money in the budget to get the tower repaired, and they should do so now.

"To delay the repairs any longer would be negligent, threatens the future of the tower and puts users of the Garden of Remembrance at risk. It's time Shepway got on with the job."

Related Links

• Large photo: Neil Matthews and Gary Fuller by Folkestone's Christchurch Tower, holding a stone which seems to have fallen from the tower