Work begins to restore town castle's buildings

Holloway Lodge - the gateway of Tamworth Castle - dates back to 1810

Restoration work has begun to repair water damage and structural deterioration at two Grade II-listed properties in Staffordshire.

Tamworth Borough Council is carrying out the repairs at Holloway Lodge and Coach House courtyard at Tamworth Castle.

It said the £142,000 project would repair long-term damage caused by exposure to the elements and should be completed by the end of the year.

Lewis Smith, the council's portfolio holder for leisure and heritage, said the work would "preserve two beautiful and important buildings in our town".

Holloway Lodge dates back to 1810 and is the gothic-style gateway to the castle grounds.

The council said water had started to enter the lodge through the turrets and old guttering, causing damage both inside and out.

Vegetation has also started to grow in the stonework, further contributing to its deterioration.

The nearby Coach House courtyard will undergo excavation work to repair damage caused by the roots of a nearby tree.

Smith added: "This project is part of the council's ongoing commitment to protecting Tamworth's historic sites and investing in the future of its cultural heritage.

"These repairs will not only make both sites safe but will also help preserve two beautiful and important buildings in our town."