Oldway Mansion archway fenced off amid safety fears in strong winds

Emergency protection measures have been put in place at Oldway Mansion amid fears of falling rendering and masonry with strong winds forecast.

Following a routine health and safety inspection yesterday, cracks were identified in the archway that leads from the car park to Little Oldway.

Owing to the strong winds that are forecast for the next couple of days, there is an immediate risk of rendering and other masonry falling from the structure, said a council spokesperson.

As a result, emergency protection measures are in place to keep the public safe.

Contractors will be on site today (Thursday, November 3) to fence off the area while structural engineers inspect the archway to determine both short- and long-term solutions.

Until these inspections have taken place it is not known what the solutions to allow access will look like.

Little Oldway can be accessed from Oldway Road, with staff at the care home aware of the closure.

Parents and carers who walk through the grounds of Oldway to get to Oldway primary school are advised to note the closure and adjust their journey accordingly.

The grounds of Oldway and the tearoom, remain open to the public.

These measures are in addition to the safety measures put in place in August after the prolonged spell of warm weather caused mortar joints to dry out and debris to fall from the building.

A council spokesperson said: "Conservation of buildings like Oldway is complicated, but we are committed to working with the many volunteers at Oldway and ensuring it has a sustainable future.

"Work is underway to develop a Masterplan and Conservations Management Strategy for the mansion and estate. Katherine Findlay started in July as a project director to drive forward plans to restore and give Oldway a new lease of life. Further announcements on the appointment of a specialist team are due within the coming weeks."