Essential repair works are to be carried out on a landmark statue following safety concerns over its condition.
The Grade II listed Lord Hill statue in Shrewsbury had been temporarily cordoned off after debris fell from it last January.
The repair project was confirmed by Shropshire Council, which has been carrying out inspection works to determine the condition of the 40.5m (133ft) high statue.
The authority said it would be “seeking long-term support” to continue with its plans, which they said involved “a number of complex considerations”.
The statue, which stands on top of The Column at the junction of London Road and Abbey Foregate, was built in 1816 and is 13ft (4m) higher than Nelson’s Column in London.
It is the highest free-standing Greek Doric column in England and was erected in honour of Gen Rowland Hill.
Hill, who was born in Shropshire, served as second-in-command to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.
Repair works to the statue are anticipated to begin in the summer and autumn of 2025, according to the council.
A council spokesperson said: “The council will ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding area during the work, and the local community is thanked in advance for its support and understanding while these vital repairs are carried out to preserve the Lord Hill statue.”
Shropshire Council said it was working with conservation stakeholders, including Historic England, on the remedial element and ensuring conservation heritage was preserved for future generations.
Gemma Sherlock
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Shropshire
