Meeting held to save listed building (From Messenger Newspapers)

Meeting held to save listed Watling Gate in Timperley

7:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in News

MORE than 50 people attended a meeting held last Wednesday to launch a renewed drive to save a decaying listed building in Timperley. Cllr Jacki Wilkinson called the public meeting with the aim of setting up a Save Watling Gate group. There has been uncertainty over the future of Watling Gate for a number of years - and the condition of the 109-year-old building in Newton Park has continued to deteriorate. Cllr Wilkinson said the campaign is picking up pace following the meeting. She told Messenger: “We have the makings of a very good committee to take the project forwards with Heritage Trust NW and Trafford Council. “Those coming forward have a good range of relevant skills and experience, which will be extremely useful as we progress the project.” She added: “I am exploring possible funding and sponsorship opportunities, and also working with Trafford Council and Heritage Trust NW to get a new temporary roof canopy over the building to prevent further damage. “There is a great deal to be done, but the campaign is gaining momentum rapidly.” The next meeting will be held in May, when the group will press on with identifying future uses for the building.