THE National Trust has admitted the opening of the historic Wellington Monument has been delayed until August – if not later.

The restoration of the monument, costing £3.5 million, was due to be completed by the end of last month.

But James Mcwilliam, a spokesman for the Trust, said yesterday: “The opening of the monument has ended up being delayed. We’re aiming for the end of August. However, this may be pushed back, depending on the contractors.

“I’m not certain of the detail but I know it involves the contractors needing longer to take down the scaffolding around the monument. There isn’t any specific issue which has led to the delay.”

Work replacing stone in the main monument columns was completed earlier this year and this was followed by further work on the internal stairs and the plinth.

The window guards at the top of the monument have been replaced to prevent birds from getting in and nesting inside the pyramidion.

Fund-raising has also been boosted by collecting donations for unusable stone that has been removed from the monument, although this has suffered from Covid-19 restrictions.

When the monument does open, the top viewing platform will only safely fit two people at any one time. It has been many years since this has been possible, and the views are stunning.

* The National Trust announced in January that work on the renovation of the monument was on track and scheduled to be finished “within the next few months,” with the target being the end of May.