Loose roof tiles threaten safety of pupils and visitors to Wolverhampton's oldest building

Graseley Old Hall, which dates back to the 15th Century, is a privately owned residence that attracts all-year-round interest from history enthusiasts, school pupils and ghost hunters attending organised events.

However Susan Williams, a retired actress who has lived at and maintained the Grade ll* listed building for more than 30 years, fears anyone walking up the drive will be hit by a tile from stables in the grounds of the Royal School, which backs onto the property.

She said: “These tiles have been loose for quite some time now and I am very worried that someone is going to get seriously hurt – or worse – unless something is done soon.

“They are very heavy and a lot of them have already become dislodged by the wind and come off. I’ve been asking for the matter to be sorted out but I still don’t know when this will be.

“Even if the roof can’t be repaired straight away, a mesh could be fitted to hold the loose tiles in place in the meantime. Officers from the council have visited and told me this is an immediate danger that needs to be addressed urgently.”

Councillor Jacqui Sweetman, who has been battling for several months to get the matter resolved, said: “Graseley Old Hall is one of our oldest houses, if not the oldest in Wolverhampton.

“This is an accident waiting to happen and I find it very alarming. These are very heavy arched roof tiles that are already sliding down the roof. In a high wind they could be a real danger to anyone walking up the drive to the house.

“Ms Williams has looked after this city treasure for many years now, and all she is asking is for the Royal School to ensure that its old and now dangerous former stables are made safe for people to be able to come and visit the hall.

“On my instruction, our council officers came to assess the situation and have made it clear that the old roof of the stable block is a danger.

“I’m now being told by the school that the Government’s Department for Communities, Housing and Levelling Up has to make a decision about the roof repair,” she added.

“Really, it’s not so much about levelling up as it is falling down in this case. I call upon the Royal School to put pressure on either its own trust or the government department to make this area safe.

“Given that the hall has many visitors because of its history, I have advised Ms Williams to put a notice up to warn people not to park by the old building. I’m appalled at the lack of care or pace on this.”

Ian Holliday, planning section leader for Wolverhampton Council, said: “The old stables are located within the Penn Road Conservation Area.

“As a result, there are statutory procedures which must be followed before it can be demolished or altered in such a way as would materially affect its external appearance.

“We are arranging to meet with representatives of the Royal School to assess the heritage significance of the building and discuss the best way forward.”

Principal of the Royal School Mark Heywood said: “The work will require permission to operate on both sides of the building in order to strip the roof surface materials.

“The roof tiles, given their likely age and fibrous nature, have to be tested for asbestos and other hazardous substances before removal, as we are required to do this to meet health and safety regulations.

“We remain committed to resolving the matter as soon as practical, but also have the health and safety of 1,456 pupils on nearly 23 acres of estate to schedule into our programme.

“Our construction team are visiting with me this week to see what’s possible as we await survey results,” he added.