Sheerness has always been a ‘Back of Beyond’ sort of place and despite the new Sheppey Crossing bridge linking the Isle of Sheppey with the mainland the town still has that feeling – you don’t pass through Sheerness you have to have a reason to go there.
In the centre of the town is situated a building of interest which is in a poor state and has remained derelict for years. The Local Board of Health building has two parts to it, one the base of a large water tank (now removed) and the other part quite different in style. The water tower dates from 1863 and front building may date from the 1880’s.
Listed by EH in 1987 it was delisted in 1988, Swale Borough Council are treating it as a ‘non-designated heritage asset’ with Conservation Area protection. Demolition was refused in 2011. Local heritage groups are keen to see it preserved but the current owner seems to be letting it deteriorate. Someone needs to take some action before it’s too late.
