Trust may help support crucial memorial work

The war memorial in the Town Square has suffered water damage, caused by five footballs and a tennis ball on the roof, which blocked the drainage system and flooded the roof.

As part of discussions to fix the listed structure, which will cost in the region of £30,000, the town council has submitted a funding bid to the War Memorials Trust.

At this month’s town-council meeting, members heard that the Trust has indicated it may consider funding repairs up to the value of 75 per cent, which could include preventative work to safeguard the memorial in the future.

A survey is needed from a conservation-accredited engineer and the work needs to be put out to tender to obtain quotes to progress a grant application. The town council agreed to cover the cost of the survey, which could cost up to £1,000.

However, as the percentage of funding is not guaranteed, the town council has been advised to make provisions to cover the cost of the repairs.

As part of draft-budget discussions for 2017/18, the town council has suggested putting £29,500 aside for the work.

After the meeting, Miss Brown said that she hopes that the survey will be completed before Christmas and that quotes would be obtained in the new year.

She hopes funding will be secured by the spring and repairs done by the summer.