English Heritage has called a meeting to discuss the deterioration of Folly Arch.  Representatives from the group visited the site in Hawkshead Road, Little Heath, after a large crack appeared to have spread and widened.

Initial concern about the state of the historic landmark was first raised on this site and later in the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

A spokesman for the group has since replied to Bob Horrocks of the North Mymms District Green Belt Society after he alerted them, in a letter, to the situation.  He also raised concerns on the Green Belt's own website.

In the letter English Heritage say they have been kept informed of the developing problem by the owners of Folly Arch and their professional advisor, who is a structual engineer.

The letter, which was also copied to Welwyn Hatfield Council and the Welwyn Hatfield Times, said that the props that have been put in place look to be acceptable as a holding measure. The forthcoming meeting will discuss what to do next.

English Heritage has already offered the owners a grant for the repair of the stucture and prior to the latest development, work was due to begin.

The group rejects claims that they have been inactive over the past 10 months and say that during that time they have been involved in processing the grant application, advising the owners on the methods and extent of repairs, helping them produce a specification for the work and recommending contractors to them for tendering.   "Any delay has not been of our making", the spokesman wrote.

The letter also touched on the question of liability for injury, which was also raised by the Green Belt Society.

"The question of liability for injury to any person gaining unauthorised access would be for a court, or a professional legal advisor to assess, but our view would be that such liabiliy rests with the owner of the structure", the letter continued.