Half term closure after 200-year-old gates smash

Published 15 Feb 2012 12:00 0 Comments

A POPULAR half term tourist attraction has been forced to close its doors after a mystery vehicle smashed into its Grade II listed 200-year-old entrance gateway and left it unsafe.

Staff at Basildon Park are hoping they will be able to reopen the 18th Century Palladian mansion tomorrow after a structural surveyor and conservation experts have assessed the damage - estimated at £50,000.

The Bath stone structure at the Pangbourne Road entrance of the Lower Basildon park is thought to have been struck by a large vehicle yesterday at around 11am. The residents of the neighbouring lodge house heard a loud bang but by the time they made it outside, there was no vehicle in sight.

Property manager Amanda Beard said the property has been closed because of concerns that the gate may topple over, and added: "I think it's disgraceful for someone to behave like this. We are very disappointed for all the families and children who were looking forward to visiting us today."

Ms Beard, who has reported the incident to the police, is appealing for anyone witnesses to call the park on 0118 976 7361.

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 15 Feb 12

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