23/04/2014
Scrabo Closed For 'Forseeable Future'
Scrabo Tower, near Newtownards, Co Down, has been closed to the public for the "foreseeable future".
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said that repeated water damage to the tower's electrical system has left the site unsafe.
Built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, third Marquess of Londonderry, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to climb the 122 steps to the top of the tower.
"The NIEA has, very reluctantly, decided not to routinely open Scrabo Tower to the public for the foreseeable future," a statement from NIEA said, adding: "Its exposed location makes the tower very vulnerable to wet and windy weather.
"The Department of Environment has carried out works costing hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 30 years.
"Despite this, the tower continues to suffer serious water ingress.
"For the second time in five years, this has damaged the electrical supply and lighting.
"Without lighting, the safety of visitors would be compromised."
(MH/JP)
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has said that repeated water damage to the tower's electrical system has left the site unsafe.
Built in 1857 as a memorial to Charles Stewart, third Marquess of Londonderry, the tower has become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to climb the 122 steps to the top of the tower.
"The NIEA has, very reluctantly, decided not to routinely open Scrabo Tower to the public for the foreseeable future," a statement from NIEA said, adding: "Its exposed location makes the tower very vulnerable to wet and windy weather.
"The Department of Environment has carried out works costing hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last 30 years.
"Despite this, the tower continues to suffer serious water ingress.
"For the second time in five years, this has damaged the electrical supply and lighting.
"Without lighting, the safety of visitors would be compromised."
(MH/JP)
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