Ashby Castle has been given the go-ahead to install added gates and fencing to add security and safety to the grade 1 listed building.

The monument may have seen battles during the English Civil War almost 400 years ago, but now there is a fight to keep out unwanted 'invaders' of a very different kind.

English Heritage has been granted planning permission for the installation of railings at the Great Tower tunnel entrance - and replacement gates and fencing on western boundary.

The new gate is designed to keep 'out of hours trespassers' at bay.

While the railings are to protect visitors from a drop of between eight to nine feet.

A council officer's report says: "The applicant says that: 'The castle suffers from regular out-of-hours trespass'.

"The existing gates and fence 'on the western boundary of the site ... provide a low-level access to trespassers'.

"Hence it is proposed to 'upgrade' the gates and fence 'to remove an easy access point'."

On the new railings, the report adds: "A staircase leads from the keep to an underground passage or tunnel.

"The applicant says that: 'It is thought that the tunnel was cut as part of the Civil War defences'.

"The applicant asserts that the tunnel has 'moderate significance'. The applicant has identified an 'unguarded drop from the tunnel opening' of 2,700mm at its highest point.

"The drop has been 'identified as a significant hazard', because of its height and 'because it is hidden until you are very close to it'.

"The drop 'is not visible from the garden' and this presents a risk to children and other people for whom 'there is a greater duty of care'.

"Hence, it is proposed to install a set of metal railings on top of the plinths which surround the stepped