Town council could run Clitheroe Castle in big shake-up
A big shake-up of all Lancashire councils expected in 2028 but who will look after Clitheroe Castle is the question, reports the Local Democracy Service.
Historic Clitheroe Castle could be run by a town council in the future, following a big shake-up of all Lancashire councils expected in 2028.
Mark French, a borough and town councillor, said Clitheroe Castle and its grounds could potentially be managed by Clitheroe Town Council through an ‘asset transfer’ agreement linked to the 2028 reforms.
But the government needs to tell town councils what their future funding arrangements and powers will be in the reforms, he said.
The 12th Century castle is publicly owned and has been maintained by Ribble Valley Council for years. It is having repairs, as part of a wider £2.3million scheme. But the borough is expected to be abolished or merged with neighbours in 2028, under the reorganisation.
Coun French said: “There are 10 Clitheroe town councillors and we are all Ribble Valley borough councillors too. We’re aware of the discussion about public assets currently owned and run by Ribble Valley Council.
“As town councillors, we are dedicated and take our responsibilities very seriously. We are also well organised with a professional set-up, more than capable of expanding our remit. So with proper consultation, we will be ready to step in and step up when asked.”
But he added: “Any transfer of assets is complex because there are still so many unknowns regarding the 2028 reforms and how it will impact the town council. So far, there has been no discussion on what the town council’s responsibilities will be. Will they remain the same or be expanded, such as with the transfer of assets? And if they are to be expanded, will our funding be increased to cover the costs? Will we need more staff?”
“I can’t see the castle or the borough’s Ribblesdale Pool and Edisford sports facility being transferred without substantial changes to the town council’s size, staffing and funding.”
In the past, he said Clitheroe Town Council has been interested in transferring a bandstand at the castle grounds to its remit and three ancient wells around Clitheroe.
The castle site includes a museum owned by the borough but run by Lancashire County Council’s museum service. But the county council is expected to be abolished too in 2028.
Coun Simon Hore, the leader of Ribble Valley Council, highlighted the castle at the council’s recent annual meeting, saying it would not be put up for sale so will remain publicly owned.
The council’s community services committee will have an update this month about the castle, the museum and grounds. These are among its priorities ahead of 2028. A report says talks are under-way with Lancashire County Council about the museum. And repairs are being done to the castle keep, currently protected by scaffolding and sheeting. Other plans including new signs.
Elsewhere in the grounds, there have been upgrades to an outdoor gym and games area. And a £600,000 revamp of the bandstand will include new lights and stepped seating improvements.