Twemlow Viaduct saved from 'well-meaning damage'

Network Rail The brickwork of Twemlow Viaduct daubed in brightly coloured graffiti — Harry Styles fans have flocked to the Twemlow Viaduct after learning the popstar spent time there in his youth

A Grade-II listed viaduct where Harry Styles was rumoured to have his first kiss is to be protected from “well-meaning damage” caused by the pop superstar’s fans.

Twemlow Viaduct, near the singer’s home village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, has become a must-visit destination for his admirers, who have taken to scratching their names and messages into the bricks in the same way he was said to have.

Network Rail, which owns the site, said that meant the 183-year-old viaduct was no longer “as it was” and was in need of protection.

The organisation said a new wall with blank panels would be erected, offering an “alternative place for fans to leave messages to Harry” while protecting the Victorian structure from “potential, well-meaning damage”.

Principal route engineer Rob Stephens said while Network Rail “understand how much the viaduct means to Harry Styles fans”, there was a need to treat the site with kindness.

“To preserve the viaduct’s historic status and not spoil anyone’s fun, we have fitted an alternative wall to allow them to continue to leave their messages of love and support,” he said.

Fans from all over the world have made the journey to Holmes Chapel in Cheshire where the singer grew up

PA Media Harry Styles on stage singing into a microphone and holding a bass guitar, wearing a black and purple set of overalls — Fans from all over the world have made the journey to Holmes Chapel in Cheshire where the singer grew up

Harry Styles fans Sakshi Kale from India and Umme Kulsum Norris from Bangladesh on a Holmes Chapel tour

Holmes Chapel Partnership Two young women smile at the camera holding slate hearts with messages to Harry Styles — Harry Styles fans Sakshi Kale from India and Umme Kulsum Norris from Bangladesh on a Holmes Chapel tour

Holmes Chapel Partnership, which takes fans to the site as part of its popular Harry’s Home Village Tour, said it was delighted to see Network Rail recognise the site as a “mecca” for Styles fans.

The tour group said it had previously encouraged visitors not to write on the wall and had provided slate hearts for fans to sign instead.

Chairman Peter Whiers said thenew wall was “an important next step in both protecting the heritage of Twemlow Viaduct and continuing to raise the profile of Holmes Chapel on the tourist map for Cheshire”.

“We are excited to see how fans react and take ownership of the wall over the coming weeks, while ensuring the viaduct remains a cherished landmark for future generations,” he added.

A representative for Holmes Chapel Partnership said the tour had increased in popularity since featuring on BBC Breakfast in May – attracting fans from as far as Bangladesh, India, Australia and Canada.