Cleaning and restoration work to conserve town’s memorial for future generations

Planning permission has been granted to Harborough District Council to carry out a careful clean and maintenance of the Grade II listed memorial in The Square.

Scaffolding will be erected around the structure from 16 September for up to two weeks to allow the cleaning to be carried out by experienced local stone masons.

Once complete the main inscription on the memorial will also be renewed. The wording has been left virtually illegible because of weathering since the monument was erected over a hundred years ago, to pay tribute to people from the town who lost their lives during World War One.

Cleaning of the memorial involves a ‘steam wash’ and will be completed following the guidance and good practise for cleaning war memorials from Historic England.

Hand cut inscription work incorporates a contrasting slate plaque that replicates the existing inscription and will be installed with stainless steel hidden fixings.

Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “The cleaning of the war memorial is a necessary and justified intervention to preserve its historical and cultural significance. By undertaking this work with careful consideration and expertise, we ensure that the memorial remains a fitting tribute to those it commemorates.

“Concerns over the state of the memorial were raised by a member of the public with my colleague Cllr Buddy Anderson who spoke with me immediately. I have visited the site with officers and there is 100 per cent agreement that this is an important project to help protect the memorial for future generations.”

This project is supported by the Market Harborough Branch of The Royal British Legion and will be completed in advance of the town’s Remembrance period in November.