Trust in drive to rescue castle

Lottery funding and a public appeal are planned as part of a campaign to save Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, from the hands of private developers.

A Preservation Trust has been formed by people trying to retain the building and turn it into a major tourist attraction.

Members of the trust believe that becoming a registered charity would enable it to benefit from Lottery funding. A public appeal is also envisaged to raise vital funding, totalling between £1.5million and £1.75mill-ion, to buy the building from the Church Commissioners.

Hartlebury Castle has for centuries been the home of the Bishops of Worcester until last year when the Church Commissioners decided it had become a financial burden and that the present Bishop Dr John Inge would be better based in Worcester.

Part of the castle is leased long-term to Worcestershire County Museum for exhibitions of artefacts of social history.

Members of the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust, formed by the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library, say they are determined to acquire the building for the public.

The Preservation Trust committee meets tomorrow to decide the next move.