A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
The petition, which has been submitted to North Yorkshire Council, urges the authority to prioritise maintenance and conservation work at the historic landmark amid concerns over deterioration and underfunding.
The issue will be considered by the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Committee on Wednesday, June 4.
Campaigners behind the petition say the condition of the castle has declined significantly, with concerns raised over vegetation growing through masonry, obscured views across the gorge and repairs needed to pathways and steps.
The petition states:
“Knaresborough Castle has a wonderful history, and is a special place for visitors and residents alike.”
It adds that the castle’s deterioration risks harming tourism and warns that continued decline could eventually lead to public closure of the site.
Among the requests made by petitioners are calls for revenue generated from the castle estate, including car parking income, to be ringfenced for maintenance and restoration work.
A report prepared for councillors confirms that the petition has met the threshold required for formal debate.
Council officers have also outlined ongoing maintenance work at the site, including a programme of vegetation removal from the castle keep and perimeter walls.
Specialist contractors are due to carry out the works in two phases between June and August this year following consultation with Historic England and wildlife experts.
The report states that further work is also being planned to address deteriorating handrails around the castle keep, while a full condition assessment and conservation maintenance plan is being prepared by conservation architects.
According to the council report, North Yorkshire Council currently leases the castle estate from the Duchy of Lancaster until 2032 and is responsible for repairs, maintenance and preservation of the site.
The authority says expenditure on the estate has historically exceeded the income generated through parking charges and sub-tenancies.
Councillors will now decide how to respond to the petition, including whether to request further investigation or make recommendations to council decision-makers.
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