Castle winter-closure plan 'detrimental' to town

The castle is 900 years old

Councillors are appealing to English Heritage to rethink its plan to shut 900-year-old Totnes Castle's gates during winter to save money, over fears it could affect the town's economy.

South Hams Council has voted to ask the heritage body to scrap the winter weekend closure plans.

Totnes Castle is one of 21 English Heritage attractions around the country that could be closed in winter after the charity said only 11 people visited last November.

Councillor Anna Presswell, representing Totnes, said the castle was "completely integral" to life in the town. Councillor John Birch, also representing Totnes, said it would have a "detrimental" effect.

Councillors said closing the castle in winter would increase the risk of vandalism as well as denying local people access to one of their favourite spots, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Visitors using the all-year-round Caravan Club site in the middle of town could also miss out, they said.

'Deep concern'

Presswell said savings would be "minimal", adding: "It is neither economically prudent nor in the best interests of the town or its residents.

"There is a deep concern about this. The castle is completely integral to life in Totnes."

Birch said: "Totnes is an all-year-round tourist destination, and the castle is clearly one of the items on the visitors' list.

"This will have a detrimental effect on the local economy, and that is just one of several reasons for opposing the closure."

English Heritage said the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath led to "lasting changes" in visitor expectations and behaviour.

A spokesperson said the "cost of opening a site over the winter months is simply not offset" by small visitor numbers.

They added the aim of winter closures was to ensure the charity was "financially resilient".