FI15621

Request

  1. Why was the Roman Painted House not open this week?
  2. Was it due to mould being found?
  3. Has the humidity inside the building been controlled whilst the building has been closed?
  4. How often have the dehumidifiers been used.  That is the frequency in the last six months?  For example, twice a week?
  5. How often is the gas heater machine in the basement used to control the temperate.
  6. The internal insultation board was removed last year.  When was this insulation board replaced?
  7. How often is the temperature and the humidity level monitored?
  8. If the temperature and humidity levels have been recorded, please supply a copy of these records over the last 12 months.
  9. What specific works have been undertaken to the Roman Painted House in the last six months?
  10. How often is the building checked to ensure its safety internally and externally?

Response

  1. As part of the final checks carried out prior to reopening the building, the specialist carrying out the air sampling highlighted that further checks are necessary. Because public safety is our primary concern, we made the decision to postpone the opening until the results of these further checks come through.
  2. The building was not opened for the February 2025 half-term holiday due to air sampling highlighting that further checks were necessary.
  3. Yes.
  4. Daily.
  5. The two gas heaters are and were not working when the building was handed back to the Council.  The gas service had been disconnected in one and the other had a fault on its control panel and was inoperable.
  6. There was no insulation board present when the Council took ownership of the building.  White painted timber board was removed from one of the trusses.
  7. We have continuous monitoring.
  8. The Council has only been recording this information since October 2024.  Copies of the records are attached.
  9. The majority of essential works took place prior to public opening in September 2024.  The last six months have been focused on continuing to liaise and work with Historic England and other specialists to plan, protect and preserve this valuable scheduled monument for future generations.  
  10. The building is continually monitored.

Attachments

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