Landgate Repair work on the way

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At a meeting held on Thursday, September 13 at the Town Hall, the interested parties listed below and including two representatives from the Friends of the Landgate, met to hear the excellent progress at last being made to repair the Landgate writes Gillian Roder.

This is exciting news for the residents of the town, and demonstrates that hard work from local people can assist in helping the statutory authorities and long established groups to move forward. The following press release from Rother District Council is good news for us all.

It should also be pointed out that the Friends of the Landgate were in a position, due to the generosity of some of our members, to offer a contribution to the work, not mentioned in the text.

This was not taken up, and it is to be hoped that those individuals may see fit to help with the restoration of the clock. The possibility of a roof covering was also discussed, but this will have to wait for a later date, when further decisions are made on the future purpose and function of the structure.

RDC press release:

‘An iconic structure dating back to the 1300s is to undergo repairs to preserve its future.

The Landgate, in Rye, will also receive a thorough interior clean of both towers to remove pigeon droppings and other debris, while new pigeon netting will be installed on all openings to deter the feathered intruders

The repair work will see the clock housing repaired, vegetation removed, an old wooden flagpole removed and the tops of all walls checked, weathered to protect against the elements and secured where necessary.

The project is being funded by Rother District Council with contributions from Rye Town Council, the Rye Fund and Rye Conservation Society.

Malcolm Johnston, executive director at Rother District Council said, “The Landgate is an iconic structure and it is vital that we carry out these repairs.

“The work we are carrying out will ensure that the arch remains safe for residents and visitors, protect the structure of the building and preserve it for the future.

“We are grateful to the various groups that have contributed towards this project and this is a good example of partners working together for the benefit of the community”.

“The district council is in the process of appointing a contractor, with work expected to begin in October and to take around four weeks to complete, dependent on the weather.

“It is expected that all high-level work will be carried out by steeplejack, and no scaffolding will be required, meaning disruption will be kept to a minimum.

“The work will create a safe access to allow a flag to be flown where appropriate and for potential repair of the clock, for which additional funding would be required”

Image Credits: Rye News library .

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