New fencing to protect former Magistrates Court

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New fencing will soon be in place around three sides of the former Magistrates Court on Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare.

Precautionary fencing will shortly be in place around three sides to further protect the vacant North Somerset Council building and passing pedestrians.

The effects of the recent heavy rainfall were closely monitored and assessed by a Senior Building Surveyor. A recommendation was made for precautionary fencing to be put in place after small parts of loose masonry were found. 

The Walliscote Place car park at the rear of the Magistrates Court will remain open. 

Cllr Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council said: “The recent heavy rainfall has affected a number of properties across North Somerset, including the former Magistrates Court on Walliscote Road. Fencing will be put in place to further protect the building and passing pedestrians. 

“The council has been carrying out a number of inspections and surveys of the building over the past few months as part of considering options for its future.

“As a building with both a listed interior and exterior, this presents a number of challenges as to what we can and can’t do. However, we are open to ideas and want to work with local residents in finding a future use for the building that fits in with our ambitions for Weston town centre.”

Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, Heritage Champion at North Somerset Council said: “The former magistrates court is a Grade II listed building in the heart of the town.  Originally built in 1934, the old magistrates court is an important historic building and part of Weston’s local heritage. We will continue to closely monitor the building and are considering all options for its future. We will always carefully consider the building’s listed status and its historic features.”