Concern over Kingsthorpe Hall on 'at risk' list

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jul 2008

Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, has expressed concern over the future of Kingsthorpe (Thornton Hall) after publication of the latest historic buildings at risk register.

The register, published by English Heritage, draws public attention to important listed buildings that are neglected and, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance.

In Northampton three buildings appear on the list: Delapre Abbey, the Sessions House and Kingsthorpe (Thornton) Hall.

"We know that both Delapre Abbey and the Sessions House are receiving attention and work is underway to preserve them but it is less clear what is currently happening about Thornton Hall" said Andrew Simpson "The hall was sold by the previous Labour administration of Northampton Borough Council to be converted for flats and whilst new flats and a small community centre have been built in the grounds there little has been done to restore the main building.

Liberal Democrats opposed the loss of the community facilities in the hall, fearing that an important local building would be lost to the public. One of the arguments was that converting the building to flats was a way of preserving it, but it is now in a worse condition than when it was owned by the council.

"It looks like the developer has done the easy bit which is the construction of the new buildings in the grounds whilst still leaving the Hall to be completed. This calls into question whether it really is being preserved for future generations".

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The 2008 register was published on 8th July and has sections which list and give details of all the historical buildings at risk in each English region. These regional sections can be viewed at: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.19186.

Related Link:

See the English Hertiage Risk Register here.