Last updated at 16:55, Friday, 01 March 2013

WORK which could finally see giant structural supports removed from a Furness landmark is due to get under way in the summer.

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Furness Abbey has been left with serious structural problems due to rotting medieval timbers and poor ground conditions at the site.

But English Heritage has announced work which could see large supports removed from the remains within two years – if work to remedy the problem is successful.

Contracts to carry out the work are currently out to tender but it is expected that the works will get under way this summer.

The abbey was founded in 1127 under the Benedictine order of Savigny and later absorbed and run by the Cistercians. It was disestablished by Henry VIII.

Once the project has been carried out the metal braces securing the building will remain for at least two years and any movement will be monitored on a monthly basis, should the work stop movement at the site then the braces could be removed after two years.

Tim Baldock, English Heritage Project Officer, said the ‘ideal solution’ would see the repairs carried out and the bracing removed from the abbey’s structure.

“The ground conditions at the Abbey are poor – the water table comes up considerably.

“When you look at the nature of the ground it’s not ideal.

“We have to do the work in stages. That way it’s safe and there’s a minimal amount of damage to the property as possible. The braces will stay up for at least another two years, we’re monitoring the situation monthly to see if there is movement.”

Gill Jepson, of the Furness Abbey Fellowship, said: “This is brilliant news. It would be lovely to see the braces removed but they are a necessary thing.

“I would rather see them on it than the abbey fall down and kill someone.’’

First published at 15:36, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk