Campaign launched to save Sheerness Water Tower in Trinity Road
16:30, 24 May 2017
Retired secretary Betty Oldmeadow has launched a campaign to save the derelict water tower in Trinity Road, Sheerness.
Betty, 76, from The Broadway, Minster, has used Facebook to ask Islanders to lobby The Victorian Society to put the once-proud building on its endangered list, as its inclusion would highlight its plight on a national scale.
Nominations must be in by Friday, July 7. The top 10 most at risk will be announced in September.
Betty, who worked for the Sheerness Co-operative Society, said: “The Sheerness Water Tower is sadly in need of renovation.
“It has become an eyesore and is upsetting the local community as well as spoiling what was once a pleasant area of the town.
“The building has an incredible history and a number of people fought hard to save it.
“But so far, all attempts have failed. If the front, at least, could be incorporated into any new development it may please both those for and against its survival.
“It would also be a valuable reminder of our local heritage for future generations.
“Tourists do not visit an area to view flats and houses. But coupled with the proposed regeneration of the Dockyard Church, it could regenerate the town no end.”
Swale council is paying consultants to come up with ideas of regenerating the Island and it is believed the former water tower could be part of their plans.
But time is running out. The inside is falling to pieces, the wooden floors have rotted away and pigeons are roosting in the rafters covering the inside with droppings.
Youngsters regularly break in. Last July two were questioned by police after a blaze.
Various ideas for the building have been suggested ranging from a cinema and nightclub to an art gallery, farmers’ market, restaurant and flats. The Sheerness Town Team has also called for its renovation.
To nominate it, email your reason and at least one photograph to media@victoriansociety.org.uk or write to 1 Priory Gardens, Chiswick, London W4 1TT.
Betty added: “What a difference it would make to Sheerness if the nomination was successful.”
