A wall at Rochester
Castle collapses

by Alan Watkins

A section of the outer walls at Rochester
Castle collapsed after the heavy rain at the weekend.

Medway Council staff were told
by local residents at about 7am Monday that part of the bailey
wall had come down in Bakers Walk.

No one was hurt, but the area - about the length of a bus - has
been roped off.

Tourism manager Simon Curtis said at the scene: "Our first
responsibility is for health and safety.

"A scaffolding company is on its way, and hopefully that will
minimise the risk of further damage."

Scaffolding and corrugated panelling has been put up around the
collapsed wall.

Construction advisers from English Heritage and an engineer were
due on scene at around 2pm.

The castle keep and gardens - site of the popular Castle
Concerts in the summer - remain open for visitors.

The council manages the castle under an agreement with English Heritage.