Removal of 'eyesore' hoarding at landmark welcomed

The front entrance to the Gloucestershire Shire Hall is now visible again

The removal of "eyesore" hoardings covering the front entrance to a city centre landmark has been welcomed.

The "unsightly" barrier was put up at the entrance of Shire Hall in Gloucester last October to undertake "essential maintenance to damaged steps".

In February, Gloucestershire County Council chiefs said the hoardings were not expected to be removed for several months while plans to alter the building's entrance were drawn up. However, they have now been taken down.

Shire Hall chiefs revealed in March that the entrance had to be decontaminated after "defecation and urination" on the front steps.

The council leader said he is "delighted that the unsightly hoardings" have been removed

Councillor Rebecca Trimnell said: "I really hope the work that has been done for good. I wouldn't want the hoarding to go up again for more months on end."

Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton said he welcomed the removal of the "eyesore" hoardings.

He said: "I'm delighted that the unsightly hoardings outside the main entrance to Shire Hall have finally been removed.

"Over time, they became an eyesore - completely out of place in a conservation area and so close to the cathedral.

"Their removal under the new Liberal Democrat administration has already made a noticeable improvement to the street scene.

"It's a small but significant step in restoring pride in this important civic building."

A council spokesperson confirmed that the current essential maintenance works have been completed and they do not have any further work planned.