ONE of Gwent’s landmarks could be damaged beyond repair if hundreds of thousands of pounds are not spent preserving it.

Caldicot Castle has stood at the gateway to Wales for more than 400 years, but now it is feared that the deteriorating structure, which is used for weddings, banquets and various outdoor events, is in need of restoration.

Dewstow councillor Tony Easson is leading the fight in trying to castle, founded in Norman times.

Mr Easson has already aired his views to Monmouthshire Council and on November 20 is putting forward a motion to full council to get work started on the building before its too late.

Mr Easson said the castle’s window frames are black with damp and mould and weeds growing in the walls pulling the building apart.

He says water is also leaking into parts of the castle, the south west tower needs a roof and living parts of the museum also need restoring.

Mr Easson said it is frustrating when millions of pounds are spent on other historical sites owned by the council such as Chepstow and Abergavenny museums and Monmouth's Shire Hall.

"The council is quite happy to run events at Caldicot Castle but it needs to put more money.

"None of them are prepared to put the jewels back in the crown and make it glisten again."

A series of grants totalling around £160,000 was given to the council between 1987 and 2000 by Cadw, part of the National Assembly, for annual conservation works.

A spokeswoman for Monmouthshire Council said budget pressures means prioritising is fundamental.

She said Monmouth's Shire Hall was identified as one of the most historically significant buildings in the county by an officer at the Heritage Lottery Fund and so spending has to be prioritised on it over the council's other historical buildings.

She said: "Priority should be given to projects such as those that repair schools or make areas used by the public accessible to those with disabilities.

"The leaking tower roof at the castle is not interfering with visitors’ experience of this wonderful historic building in any major way and so unfortunately, it has had to be regarded as less of a priority."

She said an expert survey of the castle’s structure has been carried out and the findings will be considered when reviewing priorities and funding strategies.

Castle is popular wedding venue

Founded by the Normans and developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages, the castle had various additions to the original building until it was restored into a Victorian house.

Since then, Monmouthshire Council now own the castle, which comprises of the keep tower, woodstock tower, gatehouse and guard room within the 55 acres grounds of the castle are used for exhibitions and events.

The castle itself generates an income through renting out rooms for banquets and classes starting from £50 per hour and weddings ranging from £1,000 - £2,250.

Entry to the castle is £3.75 adults and £2.50 children/pensioners.

The castle is now owned by Monmouthshire county council and can be used for medieval banquets, weddings, murder mystery nights and children's parties.

To get married at the castle on a Saturday this year it costs £2,250 and the solar room can be used for children's parties from £50 per hour.