Plans have been submitted for repair works at Wallsend’s Roman fort museum after it was targeted by thieves and suffered water leaks.

North Tyneside Council have put forward plans to mend parts of the roof of the World Heritage site, Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum. The proposed works are linked to a £499,000 grant from Arts Council England.

North Tyneside Council will also contribute funds towards the repairs.

The condition of sections of the roof has caused concerns, especially following reports in February this year that the roof was being damaged by thieves stripping it for copper and lead.

The thefts exacerbated leaks into the building which were also contributed to by poor weather. 

Councillor Louise Marshall made contact with the police in February to see if additional resources could be deployed to protect the building from thieves.

  A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council, said: “The planning application is for changes to the museum buildings at Segedunum, which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This includes replacing metal cladding that was stolen from above the central entrance and shop with materials that have no scrap value to deter future thefts.

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“The plans include a new air handling system and protective barriers on the main museum roof, funded by Arts Council England, to help maintain the right conditions within the museum to protect the artefacts and host exhibitions from other museums.”

Segedunum became a scheduled ancient monument in 1982 and a World Heritage Site in 1987. The North Tyneside icon has recieved almost one million visitors since it first opened in 2000.  The fort originally formed part of the eastern end of Hadrian’s Wall and is the most excavated fort along the 73 mile long ancient barrier.