A SECTION of historic wall in Poole will be preserved what-ever happens to a derelict former grain silo building next to it.

An Echo reader raised concerns about part of what may be the town's ancient walls next to the old silo on the quay, fearing it may be destroyed by any demolition of the disused building.

In the past few years a number of plans have been put forward to replace the silo building, regarded by many as an eyesore, with a block of flats up to 15 storeys high.

The future of the site remains undecided.

Julie James, of nearby Barbers Wharf, said: "I walked around the site and was amazed to find part of the old original town walls right up to the silo site but hidden around the back.

"I was taken aback because, with all the planning and talk, no-one has mentioned keeping or protecting the old walls."

Poole's museum interpretation officer Keith Jarvis said it had long been a matter of debate about whether the town actually had a town wall, or that the segment between the grain silo and the Mansion House hotel merely part of a rich merchant's impressive garden wall.

Historically King Henry VI granted Poole permission to construct a town wall in 1433 and there are records pointing to King Richard III beginning such a project in 1483.

John Biggs, environment team leader within Poole council's planning services, said: "The old town walls adjacent to the grain silo are mediaeval and a highly protected monument.

"The silo does not back onto it except in the very corner and the previous permissions for the site have always included contributions to protect and maintain the walls.

"It's grade one listed and the chance of losing that wall would be extremely remote."

First published: Sept 27