'A silly thing to do': Alcohol dumped as people break into Sandsfoot Castle

The historic landmark has been fenced off since January when workers discovered two vertical cracks had ‘widened on an internal wall’.

Workers found a ‘problematic’ crack formed above the picture arch on the south side section of wall and an unsecured springer stone was left in a ‘dangerous condition’.

The castle ruins remain closed off to the public with fencing, as the cracks have not yet been repaired.

But Dorset Council is concerned that the fence surrounding the historic ruins are being ‘forced open’ during the weekend despite being chained and padlocked. The authority is now looking into installing improved fencing to protect the site from intruders.

Sandsfoot Castle in Weymouth has been closed to the public since January.

Empty cans of alcohol can be seen within the castle grounds despite large fences surrounding the site.

Councillor Brain Heatley, who represents the Rodwell and Wyke ward for Dorset Council, was left saddened by the news of people breaking into the site.

He said: “People should not be doing it. It is not safe and there’s the possibility of people getting hurt being inside.

“It is a difficult situation with the repairs and it cannot be improved by people breaking into the site and doing this sort of thing.

“It is just not safe and a silly thing to do.”

A spokeswoman for Dorset Council confirmed they were awaiting further quotes for improved fencing around the castle, as they continue to work with Historic England about the repairs.

There is evidence of drinking at the closed castle as cans of Fosters littered within castle

She said: “We've had one price for fencing and are waiting for a second quote which should be with us early next week.

“The issue with the Heras fencing is that we regularly get forced entry even though it is chained and padlocked. These entries are often over a weekend and we find fresh drinks cans inside the castle when we check it every Monday morning.

“The cracks have not actually been repaired as a surface repair will not prevent the movement that is happening.

“We have monitors in place and check these on a regular basis.

“For safety, the castle will remain closed to the public for the foreseeable future. Historic England have advised this and we fully agree with them.

“We are currently looking to get a survey carried out of the cliff area below the castle but this is likely to take a while to get into place and to carry out.

A can of Strongbow can be seen at Sandsfoot Castle

“We have regular contact with both Weymouth Town Council and Friends of Sandsfoot to keep them updated.”

Sandsfoot Castle, based off Old Castle Road, was originally built by Henry VIII in 1539 to protect his kingdom from foreign invasion but was later abandoned by the military in 1665.

Since then, it has become an iconic ruin overlooking Portland Harbour and its surrounding gardens are popular with walkers and tourists.

• Have you seen any anti-social behaviour at the castle? Would you like to speak to a reporter about this? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk