Thanks to Ian for sharing details of this upcoming event. Ed
English Heritage, the national conservation body that advises the Secretary of State on heritage matters, is to stage its much acclaimed “Stopping the Rot” presentation on the Isle of Wight on Friday 26th September 2014.
The event is being run in conjunction with the Friends of Frank James who recently presented nearly 3,000 signatures to the Isle of Wight Council calling on it to use its statutory powers to compel the owners of the former Frank James Memorial hospital in Adelaide Grove, East Cowes, to undertake urgent repairs. The Grade II listed building has remained empty and abandoned since being sold by the Island’s NHS Trust to investors in 2002.
Friend of Frank James, Ian Pickard, said,
“We are delighted that English Heritage has offered to run this free event here on the Isle of Wight. We believe it reflects the concern of English Heritage at the disproportionate number of listed buildings currently considered to be at risk on the island.
“The event offers anyone who is currently involved with or maybe thinking about saving a listed building or cherished local landmark the opportunity to understand the support network out there and to realise the importance placed nationally on the conservation of important heritage buildings. English Heritage have listened to our repeated calls for action and are responding in a positive and helpful way.”
The event is being staged at the Grade II listed Northwood House in West Cowes, itself on the official register of Heritage at Risk.
Mr Pickard went on to say,
“Per head of population, the Isle of Wight has more listed buildings at risk than any other part of the South Coast. We are determined not to allow the Isle of Wight to be bottom of the class when it comes to protecting Island heritage and we feel the Council could be doing more to help.”
Leader of the Council, Ian Stephens and his cabinet colleagues responsible for heritage and planning have been invited to the presentation.
Book now
The event is free and open to anyone who is interested in saving Island heritage. Tickets can be obtained from [email protected]
Image: © Josh Aitken
