Kingsthorpe FOCUS

Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, has expressed concern over the future of Kingsthorpe (Thornton) Hall after publication of the latest historic buildings at risk register.

The register, published by English Heritage, draws public attention to important listed buildings that are neglected and, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance.

“The hall was sold by the previous Labour administration of Northampton Borough Council to be converted for flats and whilst new flats and a small community centre have been built in the grounds there little has been done to restore the main building.”

Liberal Democrats opposed the loss of the community facilities in the hall, fearing that an important local building would be lost to the public. One of the arguments was that converting the building to flats was a way of preserving it, but it is now in a worse condition than when it was owned by the council.

“It looks like the developer has done the easy bit which is the construction of the new buildings in the grounds whilst still leaving the Hall to be completed. This calls into question whether it really is being preserved for future generations”.