National Trust to begin repairs to obelisk

Scaffolding which partially covers a Grade II-listed monument could be removed this year.

The Lansdowne Monument, which sits on a hillside near Calne in Wiltshire, has had wood, hoardings and netting in place for more than 15 years to keep people safe from falling masonry, after the obelisk suffered weather damage.

Wiltshire Council has now granted permission to the National Trust, which manages the monument, to start repair work, with the next phase due to begin later this month.

A National Trust spokesperson said it hoped to complete the majority of the repairs "by the end of the year", but the work "depends on weather conditions on site".

The National Trust has managed the obelisk, located near the 18th century Cherhill White Horse, since 1988.

Triin Teder, manager of the nearby Black Horse pub, said the development was "good news" for the community and she was "excited" to tell customers about the repair plans.

"We have loads of walkers coming in who go past it," Teder told BBC Wiltshire. "And from upstairs at the pub, we have a quite good view. I love it, personally."

The work will see frost‑damaged limestone cornerstones replaced and the repointing of all external stonework.

The council would like work to start within three years, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Wiltshire Council said: "The proposals will result in considerable heritage benefits by virtue of the proposed investment in the repair and restoration of the existing masonry fabric of the building.

"The repairs will help to secure the future stability of the building."

The National Trust said: "We plan to complete the majority of the repairs by the end of the year, but the work depends on weather conditions on site given the location and significance of the surrounding landscape."

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