12th century castle could get new owner in big Lancashire shake-up

Historic Clitheroe Castle, a key Lancashire tourist attraction, could come under new ownership in a shake-up of councils expected in 2028.

The landmark 12th Century fortress draws visitors to Clitheroe and the wider region. And it is currently having repairs, as part of a £2.3million investment programme on the castle and grounds by Ribble Valley Council.

But the borough council, which owns the whole castle site, could be merged with Preston and Lancaster or scrapped under government plans to reorganise all Lancashire councils. This raises questions about who might own and maintain it in future.

Now, Ribble Valley Council is looking at options which could involved transferring the castle to another owner, if the 2028 shake-up happens. Other council-owned buildings, like Ribblesdale Pool, and land could be transferred too.

Questions about all this were raised at Ribble Valley Council’s latest full meeting.

Labour Coun Rachael Ray, the deputy opposition leader, asked: “What work has been done to identify council-owned assets that could be transferred to parish or town councils, as part of the local government reorganisation? And what discussions have taken place with other authorities to support parish transfers and long-term stewardship?

“Also, what assurances can be given that assets currently held for the benefit of Ribble Valley residents will, where practicable, be devolved to parish councils – or remain protected and serviced by a new council?”

In reply, Conservative Coun Simon Hore, the council leader, said: “Officers are reviewing assets and engaging with the Lancashire-wide reorganisation programme. This involves identifying assets of strategic value, community value, those which generate income and those which have backlog or ongoing maintenance liabilities.

“The next step will be to formally invite town and parish councils to nominate assets they’d like to explore in more detail, setting-out the business case for any potential transfer.”

He added: “Much of the council’s capital spending programme is focused on renewing our key strategic and community assets. This is to ensure they’re in excellent condition and preserved for future generations. This includes the castle and grounds, the swimming pool and many local parks in towns and villages.”

The castle site includes a museum in an 18th Century house, managed by Lancashire County Council for the borough. But the county council could also be scrapped.

Soon, councillors on Ribble Valley’s Policy & Finance Committee are expected to look at transfer principles and ask town and parish councils about their interests. External auditors have given guidance about transfers and the council will need to apply legal tests around best value on any proposed transfer, Coun Hore added.

Clitheroe Castle’s Grade I-listed keep is a scheduled monument, meaning it is a nationally-recognised archaeological site. It remained in private ownership until 1920, when it was bought through money from public subscription to create a memorial to local soldiers who died in the First World War. It is understood that because it is publicly-owned, it could not be sold to a private owner.

Clitheroe Town Council was asked if it would be interested in running the castle through a transfer. A spokesperson said it would be in a better position to comment in coming weeks.