Campaigners want transfer of Georgian villa to public ownership

Heritage campaigners have backed calls for the fire-gutted remains of a listed Georgian villa to be taken into public ownership.

The Grange Frankfield Partnership in Cork, which has been campaigning for years for the conservation and preservation of historic Vernon Mount House on the southern outskirts of Cork City, said they fully support Independent councillor Marcia D’Alton’s suggestion yesterday — on the first anniversary of a devastating fire — for a public takeover.

“It’s an absolute no- brainer,” said partnership spokesman Ger Lehane.