Maidstone's Mote Park has been identified for the first time by English Heritage as being at risk.

The 200-hectare green space has been put on the at-risk register due to concerns about the destruction of some of its vistas.

Dr Andy Brown, south east regional director of English Heritage, said: “This Grade II registered park is a fine example of 19th century estate landscape which is at risk owing to a lack of co-ordinated management."

Maidstone council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, Cllr Brian Moss (Con), said: “The park has been somewhat neglected and suffered from inappropriate tree planting which has restricted some of the fantastic vistas which were within the park’s original design."

Also mentioned as being at risk are the ruined gateway at the old entrance to the College of All Saints’ off College Road, Maidstone, Hadlow Tower, and the former dungeons to the rear of the council-owned Archbishops’ Palace.

Grade II listed Mote House, which lies in the middle of Mote Park and dates from 1793, is still listed as at risk even though it is being renovated and turned into flats.

For the full story see this week's Kent Messenger.