Iconic Gloucester landmark 'targeted' by anti-social behaviour
Somebody defecated and urinated outside the Shire Hall
Last updated 14th Mar 2025
The entrance to Shire Hall had to be decontaminated council chiefs have revealed as they explained more about why the “eyesore” hoardings were put up outside it.
Concerns were raised about the hoardings outside the front of the main reception at the historic Westgate Street building at yesterday’s (March 12) council meeting.
They have been in situ since October 5 last year and signs on the hoardings say “essential works in progress”.
Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) asked Gloucestershire County Council leaders why the hoardings have been there for so long.
He said in a written question to council chiefs: “Other than some cleaning, repointing and repairs to the display cabinets, which didn’t need such hoardings, what has the county council discovered that would require these hoardings to be in place for months on end?”
Finance and property cabinet member Lynden Stowe (C, Campden-Vale) said a decontamination of the entire area had been completed after “defecation and urination issues on the front steps”.
“This related to ongoing anti-social behaviour some of which was directed at Shire Hall reception staff and other members of the public,” he said.
“The replacement of the glass display cabinets was also completed along with the removal of the glass caused by this vandalism.
“It was felt appropriate at the time to erect the hoardings to maintain the safety of the public and members of staff.”
He said they were due to undertake works to rewire defective lighting in the area and carry out stonework repairs.
But they have discovered the presence of asbestos after inspecting the underside of the portico.
“This remains encapsulated and totally safe but will need to be removed prior to carrying out works to replace this ceiling and services in the void above it.
“Statutory notifications have been made to the Health and Safety Executive prior to undertaking the works which we now expect to commence mid March.
“We also intend to carry out stonework repairs, installation of an external water supply (to aid future cleaning works), an external power supply and upgrades to the lighting.
“As an important heritage asset, which is grade II listed, we will ensure that all works are discussed and agreed with the City Council Conservation Officer prior to completing any further work.”
Cllr Hilton said he has been through that entrance many times over the last six months and has never seen anyone working there.
“They are an eyesore on the street scene of Gloucester and the historic Westgate Street,” he said.
“When are you going to take them down?”
Cllr Stowe said he did not have a date as to when they would be taken down.
But he said officers are working on various planning and listed building applications to ensure proper works can be taken in a timely manner.
“This is to ensure this heritage asset we should be proud of is kept in the state and enhanced for future generations.”