Petition over castle conservation signed by 500

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore a 900-year-old castle in North Yorkshire is set to be debated by councillors after it was signed by more than 500 people.

The petition urges North Yorkshire Council to prioritise maintenance and conservation at Knaresborough Castle, amid concerns over deterioration and underfunding.

Campaigners said the condition of the medieval fortress had declined, with vegetation growing through masonry, obscured views of the gorge and pathways and steps in need of repair.

They warned continued deterioration could harm tourism and ultimately lead to the site closing to the public. The petition is set to be considered by the council on 4 June.

The exact origins of Knaresborough Castle remain unknown, but medieval financial records indicate the stronghold has existed from at least 1129.

Its ruins consist largely of the 14th Century keep and fragments of the curtain wall.

The petition describes the site as "a special place for visitors and residents alike" and calls for income from the castle estate, including car parking revenue, to be ring-fenced for maintenance and conservation work.

A council report confirmed the petition had met the threshold for debate and outlined ongoing and planned work, including vegetation removal from the keep and perimeter walls, due to be carried out between June and August.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service further improvements are planned to address deteriorating handrails, with conservation architects preparing a full condition assessment and maintenance plan.

North Yorkshire Council, which leases the site from the Duchy of Lancaster until 2032, said it was responsible for repairs and upkeep, adding that spending on the estate had historically exceeded income from parking charges and sub-tenancies.

Councillors will decide how to respond to the petition, including whether to seek further investigation or make recommendations to decision-makers.

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