Repairs to collapsed Hurst Castle wall will take 'many months'

WORK to repair the collapsed section of Hurst Castle’s eastern wing will take many months to finish, English Heritage has warned, as it renewed pleas for the public to stay away.

A significant section of the historic monument collapsed into the sea last month, amid claims the charity was too slow to act on warnings it was in imminent danger, as reported exclusively in the A&T.

Since the collapse, English Heritage has confirmed it was days away from beginning work to strengthen the storm-damaged foundations and its workforce is currently on site protecting the damaged section and making the area safe.

English Heritage estates director Rob Woodside said: “Our team have been hard at work on site in recent weeks, as we mobilise our plans to bring stability to Hurst Castle’s east wing.

“We have already received the first loads of more than 4,000 tons of shingle in our new secure compound beside the castle, and a delivery of boulders is due to arrive by barge in preparation for our works to strengthen the castle’s sea defences, so that we can protect the damaged section of the castle and make it safe.”

The charity, which owns the monument, has also renewed its plea for the public not to approach the eastern section of the castle, particularly given the heavy machinery which is operating on site.

Mr Woodside said: “Protecting a remote and exposed place like Hurst Castle in the face of the immense forces of wind and tide is an extremely complex task.

“English Heritage is committed to Hurst Castle but there can be no quick fix, and these works will take many months to complete.”