Action to Protect Historic Goldington Building a Step Closer After Lib Dem Pressure

5.15.00pm GMT Wed 20th Feb 2008

Goldington Ward Councillors Paul Smith, Phil Merryman and Henry Rogers are pressing for action to protect Goldington Hall

Urgent maintenance work to halt the deterioration of the historic Goldington Hall building on Goldington Green has moved a step closer following Liberal Democrat pressure. Bedford Borough Council's Planning Committee will decide on Monday whether to serve an Urgent Works Notice on the owners of the Grade II listed building, which is also known as the former Lincoln Arms public house.

If the proposal is approved by the committee, site owners Greene King Plc will be obliged to carry out the urgent maintenance work needed to make the building safe and prevent further deterioration of the site, or else the council can undertake the work itself. The building, which dates from approximately 1650, has fallen into a poor state of repair and was recently damaged by a dramatic fire.

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Goldington Ward Paul Smith, who has been collecting signatures on a petition calling on the council to take action, said:

"Having campaigned for action to preserve Goldington Hall, I am very pleased that we now have the prospect of the council forcing the owners to carry out vital work on the building. Of course, this urgent work would only represent the first step in restoring it to an acceptable standard, but I urge the Planning Committee to back the proposal in order that we can finally see some action to stop this prestigious local building falling into complete disrepair.'

"The current deteriorating condition of the building is a disgrace. It is a significant local landmark, and an important piece of history dating back to the mid 17th Century. Many local residents had felt that an incident such as the shocking recent fire was only a matter of time given the state the building had been allowed to fall into. The urgent works to prevent the site from suffering further damage cannot start a moment too soon. The growing number of local residents who have signed the petition calling for action to protect the building have underlined just how important this historic site is to the community."