A BRIGHTER future could be in store for an "irreplaceable" 18th-century monument subjected to "years of neglect".

Severndroog Castle, Shooters Hill, has become a dilapidated target for vandals since it was boarded up 17 years ago.

But now the Severndroog Castle Building Preservation Trust has secured the first wave of Lottery money which it hopes will restore the monument to its former glory.

The trust, which was set up by campaigning residents in 2002, has successfully secured £19,200.

This money, plus a further £15,000 from English Heritage, will be used to pay for a survey of the Grade II-Listed castle.

It will also enable the trust to put together a plan for the future of the building, which lies in the grounds of Oxleas Woods.

Trust chairman Barry Gray said: "The potential for Sevendroog is enormous. It is absolutely irreplaceable.

"You do not come across a Georgian folly built in the 1700s every day. It is vital we protect and maintain buildings like this."

The trust eventually hopes to secure up to £500,000 from the National Lottery to pay for a full restoration.

Its plan is to reopen the castle to the public, with facilities including a cafe and a hall for wedding receptions and public events.

Since it was closed in 1988 the castle has had its windows smashed and been targeted by graffiti artists.

Mr Gray says the only way to combat the vandals is to get the castle back in daily use.

He added: "The building has been subjected to years of neglect. It cannot continue."

Severndroog Castle was built in 1784 by Lady James of Eltham, as a memorial to her husband Sir William James.

The roof of the castle is 50ft higher than St Paul's cathedral and offers stunning views of central London.

The plight of Severndroog shot to national attention two years ago, when it was featured in the hit BBC series Restoration.