‘DANGEROUS’ cracks which have formed at historic Sandsfoot Castle may have been caused by coastal erosion – as works continue to protect a nearby road.

As previously reported, the castle ruins off Old Castle Road in Weymouth was fenced off by the town council after workers discovered two vertical cracks had widened on an internal wall.

Workers found a ‘problematic’ crack formed above the picture arch on the south side section of wall and an unsecured springer stone was left in a ‘dangerous condition’.

Weymouth Town Council will be working with Dorset Council and Historic England to carry out essential repairs.

Dorset Echo: The historic Sandsfoot Castle has been fenced off by Weymouth Town Council after cracks formed within the ruin's walls. Picture: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

Historic England has been left concerned by the castle’s damage, having previously ‘invested significantly’ in repairs in recent years.

But due to its location, a spokeswoman feared that the latest damage could have been caused by coastal erosion.

A spokeswoman said: “Scheduled monument Sandsfoot Castle was constructed under the reign of Henry VIII, but has been disused for nearly 300 years.

“There are longstanding structural issues at the site due to the shifting clay that the castle stands on, which is vulnerable to coastal erosion.

“In recent years, Historic England has invested significantly in repairs to the castle, but the nature of the foundation means it is likely that the latest issues are due to coastal erosion.

Dorset Echo: One of the cracks at Sandsfoot CastleOne of the cracks at Sandsfoot Castle

“At present, safety concerns mean it is necessary to prevent the public from entering the site. We hope to get an engineer on site as soon as possible, and we will then be able to estimate how long repairs will take.

“We’re aware of the importance of the castle to Weymouth and its visitors, and are treating the structural issues as a priority.”

Works to prevent properties and Old Castle Road from crumbling down the side of a cliff started in early December 2020, with maintenance ongoing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Old Castle Road has been threatened by landslides for decades, and part of the highway has been closed to traffic following a landslip in 2020.

Dorset Echo: The historic Sandsfoot Castle has been fenced off by Weymouth Town Council after cracks formed within the ruin's walls. Picture: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

An alarming engineer's report commissioned by Dorset Council also revealed how 90 homes were at risk of being cut off as the road faced imminent collapse.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Council added that staff visited the site yesterday and will return to the site next week.

She said: "Dorset Council is responsible for the upkeep of Sandsfoot Castle. Following a concern raised over a crack to an archway at the castle an inspection was made and the decision taken to fence off the castle pending a further inspection by Dorset Council.

"There is a site visit planned and also next week with a restoration specialist."

A spokesman for Weymouth Town Council previously said on Tuesday: “Unfortunately due to health and safety issues, we’ve had to close Sandsfoot Castle. Dorset Council has been notified.

Dorset Echo: The historic Sandsfoot Castle has been fenced off by Weymouth Town Council after cracks formed within the ruin's walls. Picture: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

“Members of our team noted that two vertical cracks had widened on an internal wall within the castle.

“The crack that posed more of a problem was above the picture arch on the south side section of wall.

“Local contractors also found a springer stone that is not secured properly and is in a dangerous condition.

“We’ll be placing fencing around the perimeter of the castle, while we work with Dorset Council and Historic England to carry out any necessary works.”