Lincoln Castle needs urgent action, the county council’s Reform leadership has said – but opponents say claims it’s at risk of falling down are “alarmist”.

Reform, which took over leadership of the council last year, has attacked Conservatives for not investing enough in the ancient monument during their administration.

The parties clashed in a heated council meeting before Christmas, with Tories saying that there is no risk of collapse and the castle had been well-managed.

Lincolnshire County Council has now proposed a yearly maintenance programme, worth £12million over four years, which it says is needed to keep the structure in good condition.

Lincoln Castle's East Gate, with scaffolding across the front. Credit: LDRS

placeholder image — Lincoln Castle's East Gate, with scaffolding across the front. Credit: LDRS

Councillor Natalie Oliver, Reform’s executive councillor for culture, said: “Like many residents, I’m passionate about championing Lincolnshire’s proud heritage.

“As one of the county’s most treasured landmarks, Lincoln Castle has protected our city for almost 1,000 years. Now it needs our protection.

“Unfortunately, the castle’s walls are in very poor condition. We are determined to take action, stop the decay, and give them the proper care and attention they deserve.

“That’s why we’re proposing the first yearly maintenance programme the walls have had in more than a decade – worth more than £12m over the next four years.

“This proposal would ensure visitors can continue to soak up the castle’s incredible history, protecting and preserving one of the jewels in Lincolnshire’s crown, now, and for generations to come.”

Maintenance work is currently taking place on the east face of the castle, which was built in 1068 by William the Conqueror.

Councillor Richard Davies, who leads the Conservative group, accused the Reform group of being alarmist about the castle’s condition.

“Claims that no money was spent on the castle walls or that they are ‘at risk of falling down’ are simply wrong,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“Significant capital investment (several million) has already been made in the fabric of the walls at Lincoln Castle, including major conservation and structural works as part of the wider castle programme.

“The walls were not ignored; they were a core element of that investment.

“Crucially, the chief executive has formally confirmed that the castle walls are not at risk of collapse. There is no safety warning, no emergency notice, and no professional advice suggesting imminent failure.

“What is true is that, like any historic structure, the walls require ongoing maintenance. That is normal asset management, not evidence of neglect or danger.

“Spreading alarmist claims may make headlines, but they do not reflect the facts or the professional assessments in place.”