Work starts on war memorial restoration

Restoration work on a war memorial in Lincolnshire has begun.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the World War One memorial in Spalding was completed in 1922 and commemorates people connected with the town who lost their lives in the conflict.

The years of both world wars were later added to the memorial, which is in Ayscoughfee Gardens.

The project, funded by South Holland District Council, is expected to be completed in time for Remembrance Day in November.

The five-month project will include the restoration of memorial panels, flooring, the ceiling and roof tiles on the Grade I listed memorial.

Henry Bingham, the council's portfolio for assets, said work to restore the "hugely significant" monument had been a "long time in the making".

He added: "This is a precise and expert process and, whilst the work will take several months to complete, we are confident it will secure the protection and prestige of the monument."

Elizabeth Sneath, the portfolio holder for conservation and heritage, said: "We must do everything we can to protect it and the memories of those commemorated within it for many generations to come."

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