Harry Styles viaduct protected from 'well-meaning damage'

A special new wall is to be unveiled at a 183-year-old Grade II-listed viaduct where Harry Styles fans had been carving messages to the pop megastar.

Twemlow Viaduct, in the 30-year-old's home village of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, has become a popular attraction for fans ever since they learned the popstar spent time there in his youth.

However, Network Rail, which owns the site, said the 23-arch viaduct is no longer As it Was after some fans etched messages to Styles in the brickwork.

Fans are being encouraged to head in One Direction to the new blank wall instead to leave their decorations and slogans.

Rob Stephens, Network Rail's principal route engineer, said: "We understand how much the viaduct means to Harry Styles fans.

“But 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.”

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

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

Chairman Peter Whiers said: "This new wall is 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.”

A spokesman for Holmes Chapel Partnership said the tour has increased in popularity since featuring on BBC Breakfast in May - Attracting fans from as far as Bangladesh, India, Australia and Canada.