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Future of historic site to be discussed
CONCERNS have been raised about proposals to sell off one of the country's most important Roman town sites.
Last week, leading Conservative councillors at Northamptonshire County Council revealed the authority was considering selling Chester Farm near Irchester to safeguard its future.
The council said it does not have enough money to improve and safeguard the area, which includes a listed ancient monument and Grade II listed building.
The site, which is made up of the remains of a Roman walled town, a Saxon village and farm buildings dating back to the 16th century, was bought by the authority with 1.2m from the Government three years ago when Labour was in control of the council.
Former Labour county councillor Tim Maguire, who still represents Irchester on Wellingborough Council, said: "I'm very concerned the county council is considering selling this site.
"It seems heritage is at the bottom of the county council's priorities.
"The area is very important and is a major part of Irchester's heritage.
"I'm also concerned that if the county council sells the site it may have to pay back the funding it was originally given by the Government to buy the site."
The county council's cabinet will examine a report on the state of Chester Farm tomorrow when they will decide if the site should be sold.
In the report, the council has stated the land would only be sold to a buyer who could secure the long-term preservation of the site's outstanding historic environment and ensure the public have access to the area.
The authority would also reinvest the money from the sale of Chester Farm into the site, which it hopes would cover it against the risk of the Government wanting back its original grant.
County council cabinet member Andre Gonzalez De Savage said the proposal to sell Chester Farm had been put forward because the farm buildings require about 500,000 to be spent on them to bring them up to standard.
The authority is concerned that if nothing is done they will fall into a greater state of decay.
If the cabinet approves plans to sell the site, the council is expected to start marketing it from next month.
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
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