Alarm at state of historic Woodbank Hall despite repair vow

Stockport Council had pledged to spend £250,000 on repairs to the listed Georgian villa

A historic hall has been left derelict despite a council's promise to spend £250,000 on repairs, a conservation boss has said.

Woodbank Hall, a grade II* listed Georgian villa in Woodbank Park, Stockport, is on Historic England's heritage at-risk register.

John Fidler, a former conservation director at English Heritage, claimed little had been done to protect it and described it as "simple neglect".

The council said repair work had begun.

The hall, which dates back to 1814, was described as being in danger of "further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric" with "no solution agreed" on the future of the site.

Donated to the people of Stockport in the early 20th century, it was once home to Peter Marsland, an industrialist who established the first mill using steam-powered looms to produce cloth from wool in the 1820s, according to Stockport Heritage Trust.

Mr Fidler told the Local Democracy Reporting Service little seemed to have been done to protect the historic landmark despite his efforts to raise awareness of its state.

"The current declining situation is one of simple neglect," he said, adding that Stockport was failing to set a good example in the matter.

Problems range from roofs leaking to blocked gutters

Mr Fidler said he contacted three Stockport councillors including Liberal Democrat councillor Colin MacAlister, who is responsible for regeneration, on 24 November, but did not receive a response.

He explained the problems ranged from leaky roofs to blocked gutters pushing moisture into the walls causing outbreaks of timber decay.

However, Mr MacAlister said the council was using the funds to try to protect the site.

He said: "We understand the concerns and that is why the council has committed £250,000 to address the decline of the historic hall.

"Work has already begun with essential asbestos removal work completed and the next stage of procuring a package of protection works underway.

"This will also include the demolition of the redundant modern outbuildings."

He said it was expected to be completed by the end of March.

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