Newport councillors are investigating the possibility of taking over the town’s castle.

Town council chairman Cllr Paul Harries suggested the move at last week’s meeting.

Cllr Harries said: “The castle lease may or may not be coming up, would this council be interested in finding out about leasing it?”

County Cllr Robin Evans said: “The clause about maintenance could be very costly, that would be one problem.”

Cllr Harries added: “I think there could possibly be thousands of problems, all we have to do is write to the Barony and ask to be considered.

“If the terms and conditions are totally impossible we might not want to do it, but there is no harm in sending a letter expressing a vague interest.”

The council already leases other parcels of land from the Barony, but the castle overlooking the town is only rarely open to the public.

The Norman castle, which is rumoured to be haunted, is owned by the Lady Marcher of Cemaes, and is currently let as a private residence.

The site has a rich history, and the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt twice over the centuries.

Cllr Harries added: “I would like to stress that the town council is just expressing a mild concern at this time.”

The council agreed to look into the idea, and will contact the Barony solicitor for more details.