WYRE Forest residents are being called on to help secure the future of Hartlebury Castle now it is no longer the official residence of the Bishop of Worcester.

There are fears the castle could be sold to a developer and closed to the public, even though Worcestershire County Council holds a 19-year lease on one-third of the property, where the County Museum is housed.

Mark Garnier, Wyre Forest Conservative parliamentary spokesman, said people should submit their business ideas for the former residence to the council.

He is supporting the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library, who want people to persuade the council to buy the remaining portion of the castle.

Mr Garnier said: "I am completely in support of this asset being secured for the county as a whole.

"While it is just outside Wyre Forest, it is close enough to act as a visitor attraction and certainly compliments local attractions such as Harvington Hall, the Severn Valley Railway, the Safari Park and Bewdley Museum."

He explained: "Visitors to Wyre Forest will bring more money and help boost our local economy."

He added: "The good news is that campaigners are pushing against an open door. The council is keen to secure this asset for the county but they need to prepare a sound business case to do so.

"That is why it is important that people submit their ideas to the council, suggesting ways that Hartlebury Castle can be used to generate an income so that the burden of ownership does not rest on the hard pressed council taxpayer.

"I will certainly be writing with my ideas but I would urge all Wyre Forest residents to do likewise, so we can keep this valuable attraction in the public domain."

People can write to Debbie Birch, Heritage Partnership manager at County Hall or e-mail dbirch@worcestershire.gov.uk.

For further information, contact the Friends of Hartlebury Castle and the Hurd Library at V_wagstaff@yahoo.co.uk.