Clean-up at former medieval hall site

Kirklees Council has decided to act to record and conserve the Grade II listed remains of Thornhill Hall, which date back to the 13th century.

The remains at Dewsbury are at further risk of degradation and the whole site is overgrown, dark and unattractive.

Water levels in the moat are so low as the sluice is leaking and there is rubbish and fallen branches in the moat.

A council report says the site needs investment to reduce anti-social behaviour and encourage visitors. The council does not have enough cash to pay for major improvements.

Councillors are being asked to approve a package of works ahead of a possible bid for a large grant in 2014-16.

A decision is imminent on a bid for £46,800 to be used to clear scrub, produce interpretation information and help people learn about its history.

A total of £25,000 of council money will be spent this and next year on:

Repairing the sluice to prevent further loss of water from the moat (about £7,000)

Clearing fallen trees, rubbish, loose masonry from the moat and island (£10,000-£12,000)

Ecological surveys, looking at bats, great crested newts and birds (£1,000)

Archaeological survey on the remains below ground (about £5,000).

It is anticipated that the sluice repairs, surveys and recording of remains will take place between July and December. The clearance of trees and rubbish will be between September this year and February next year.

On the advice of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the council has formed a partnership with The Friends of Rectory Park and with them will take forward bids for Lottery money.