Medieval ruins closed to the public for good
Vandalism has lead to a set of medieval ruins in Lincoln being closed to the public for ever.
Since last week, the abbey ruins in Monks Road, Lincoln, have been confined within a 2.1m fenced enclosure.
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The ruins have had a steel fence erected around them to prevent further damage.
An application was made by the City of Lincoln Council to protect the Grade II listed abbey after vandals attacked the vestiges in summer 2007, and used it as a climbing frame.
Phil North, corporate property and standards manager for the council, said: "Permanent railings to protect the monuments on Monks Road had been in place since around the 1930s.
"As part of an ongoing regeneration project in Abbey ward, which also included new footpaths and a recreation area, residents asked that the railings around Monks Abbey be removed, with the view of giving something back to the community."
English Heritage has a policy which seeks to provide access to all historic buildings in England. But owing to persistent vandalism, the policy was not feasible at Monks Abbey. Subsequently, officials had "no objections" when the council proposed its plans.
Mr North said: "Unfortunately, although the majority of the community respected and appreciated the monuments in their area, it became obvious that some people just wanted to vandalise them.
"Temporary railings were put in to protect them, but these too were vandalised."
Planning permission was due to be granted on January 6 in a meeting at City Hall, in Beaumont Fee.
But plans needed to be brought forward after vandals continued to enter onto the site and pose a considerable health and safety risk. Approval will now be sought retrospectively in the meeting on Wednesday.
6 Comments
by David, Boston USA
Friday, January 01 2010, 5:17PM
“Like Ken from Lincoln comment "Does some developer want the space for making more profit ?" I too initially thought of that. I thought then `Shame on me...and you Ken... how could we even think that we have dishonest politicans" ....yeah...right!”
by steve, Lincs
Friday, January 01 2010, 3:56PM
“Thats not a bad idea, put stocks up in city high street and let the public decide what to do with them, throw a bad bit of veg or better still animal dung.
This would apply to all crimes not just vandalism.”
by felinfan, City
Friday, January 01 2010, 3:33PM
“Time to bring back some other ancient monuments - The Stocks- then they won't be laughing! That is my property you have damaged guys. Mine and that of every other honest and respectable, Council tax paying citizen. Hand me that bag of rotten tomatoes and maybe that cat-o'-nine tails and get the town crier to stand by with invitations for the citizens of Lincoln to get their own back on such trash.”
by ken, lincoln
Friday, January 01 2010, 1:43PM
“Does some developer want the space for making more profit ?.”
by David Edwards, USA
Friday, January 01 2010, 12:39PM
“I lived in Fairfield St opposite the Monks Abbey as a child for many years back in 50's. Not once did we kids ever thought of vandalising this historic monument. Again, it's the sad fact of recent times that authorities bend to just a few mindless idiots and look for the cheaper way out of a problem rather than looking to the peoples future's heritage with pride and historical reverance. Once again we have the score and again it is Mindless idiots - 1. Law abiding hard working class - 0.
When I die, maybe I should come back as one of these destructive vandals because you know what....you can't touch me. Why do they do it? Because it is there and they have nothing else to do they think. How many great explorers are quoted as answering a question `Why do you do it` Their answer "Because it is there"
There seems a little irony in that.”
by david, lincoln
Friday, January 01 2010, 9:36AM
“Once again the mindless minority spoil it for the majority. When is the law going to come down hard on this miniority and stop them spoiling others lives and enjoyment? You cannot keep sweeping these issues under the carpet mr justice system.”