Taking stock of Churchtown’s outdoor prison
the vital repairs on the very weathered Grade II-Listed structure, in order that they can be seen by locals and tourists alike for generations to come.
The society’s proposal has been passed by Sefton Council and will include specialist reconstruction of the damaged stonework as well as the installation of replacement timbers and wrought iron fittings which will be made in local workshops.
The wrought iron railings and surrounding area will also be adapted to allow for better access for cleaning and maintenance works to be carried out.
However, this important part of the areas heritage can only be restored once the funding has been raised to cover the cost of the important work, which is liable to be several thousand pounds.
Therefore, the NMCS is asking for donations in order that work can be followed through.
Paul Sherman
The project manager is the very experienced archaeologist Paul Sherman.
His involvement in fact goes back to when the original proposal to replace the damaged right-hand side stone post was raised, with the stocks hav- ing loose and missing sections.
A stonemason informed the North Meols Civic Society (NMCS) that removing the post would destroy it, which may be true, unless, of course, an archaeologist excavates it – step in Mr Sherman!
Paul’s argument was that as the timber work is not original, if the damaged stone post was replaced, there would not be much left!
Remember Trigger’s broom in Only Fools and Horses - ‘this is the best broom I’ve ever had, it’s only had four new heads and three new handles.’
You get the idea!
Condition report
Therefore, Paul offered to excavate the post for the NMCS with a view to carrying out an assessment to see if the stocks could be saved.
This, then expanded, with him carrying out an inspection of the Georgian relic and provide a condition report, and it has carried on from there.
He concluded: ‘‘‘ The North Meols Civic Society has raised some money to have the stocks completely repaired and restored.
“I am applying for Listed Building Consent for the project, and once approved we will carefully remove the