The removal of the “eyesore” hoardings that had obscured the entrance to Gloucester’s Shire Hall has been met with widespread approval. The hoardings, which were erected last October to allow for “essential maintenance” on damaged steps, had become a source of frustration for locals and city officials alike.
Initially expected to remain in place for months longer as plans to alter the grade-II listed building’s entrance were drawn up, the barriers were finally taken down after the maintenance work was completed. Previously, the site had experienced antisocial behaviour, including incidents of defecation and urination on the steps, leading to a thorough decontamination effort by Shire Hall staff.
Councillor Rebecca Trimnell (LD, Westgate) expressed hope that the work done was a permanent solution, stressing that she would not want the hoardings to return for an extended period. Fellow councillor Pam Tracey (C, Westgate) also welcomed the change, noting that the street now looks “a lot better” and is more open.
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Tracey also voiced concerns about parked cars blocking the front of Shire Hall, stating that such parking detracts from the area’s appearance and is inconsiderate.
Gloucester City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) described the hoardings as an “eyesore” and praised their removal as a positive development for the Westgate street scene. He suggested that the barriers, originally installed by the previous Conservative administration, may have been more about blocking off access than facilitating genuine refurbishment efforts.
Hilton said, “I walked past Shire Hall many times during that period and never once saw any work justifying such extensive hoardings. Their presence felt out of place in a conservation area so close to the cathedral.”
The new Liberal Democrat administration’s decision to remove the barriers has already improved the area’s appearance and is seen as a step toward restoring pride in the historic civic building.
A council spokesperson confirmed that the essential maintenance is complete and that there are currently no further plans in place for work on the site.