RESTORATION work to protect two key heritage sites in the borough for future years will begin this month.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is leading work to protect the landmark Bolton Arch at Crabtree Plantation and the ruins of the Chapel of the Holy Ghost, in South View.
Heritage expert Oxley Conservation has supported the project and specialist contractor Traditional Stone will be carrying out the work, on behalf of the council.
Work will include removing vegetation from on and around the structures with subsequent stone repair and replacement, mortar repairs and cleaning.
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Work at Bolton Arch, which stands at the entrance to Crabtree Plantation, started on Monday, February 12, with scaffolding and fencing installed around the site and a contractors’ office and storage area being created.
Restoration work is expected to last for approximately 20 weeks.
For the safety of visitors and the contractors carrying out the work, there will be no access to Bolton Arch while this work takes place.
Visitors are encouraged to use a number of other entrances to Crabtree Plantation and visitors with mobility issues are encouraged to park at Black Dam Ponds to access Crabtree while this work takes place.
Bolton Arch, once an entrance to Hackwood Park and now an entrance to Crabtree Plantation, was built in around 1820 and is an iconic sight for visitors to the popular open space.
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Work at the ruins of the Chapel of the Holy Ghost will start on Monday, February 19, with scaffolding, fencing and a contractors’ office and storage space being created before the main work starts later in the spring.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “We are lucky to have a number of important and fascinating heritage sites across the borough and it is so important that we do everything we can to protect them.
"Bolton Arch and the Chapel of the Holy Ghost are well-known and much-loved borough landmarks and this work will help to ensure that they are enjoyed by residents and visitors in the future."
For more information go to: basingstoke.gov.uk/heritage
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