War memorial to be cleaned and restored

The cleaning will be carried out by experienced local stone masons, Harborough District Council said

A war memorial is to be cleaned and restored after showing signs of deterioration.

Scaffolding will be put up around the Grade II-listed monument in The Square in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, from Monday.

Harborough District Council said it would be given a new inscription as part of the work due to the existing one being "virtually illegible" due to weathering.

The memorial, which pays tribute to those who lost their lives in World War One, was unveiled in 1921.

District council planning officers approved an application submitted by the authority for the cleaning and maintenance work on 18 July.

A steam wash will be included in the cleaning process, which will be completed following guidance set out by Historic England.

Council leader Phil Knowles said the project would "help protect the memorial for future generations".

"The cleaning of the war memorial is a necessary and justified intervention to preserve its historical and cultural significance," he added.

"By undertaking this work with careful consideration and expertise, we ensure that the memorial remains a fitting tribute to those it commemorates."

The council said the project wass supported by the town's Royal British Legion and would be completed in advance of the remembrance period in November.