Vital restoration work has been continuing at Wellington Monument despite the coronavirus crisis.

The £3.45 million project to repair the landmark got under way at the end of last year with work being carried out by Sally Strachey Conservation.

Site manager Mark Holland said: “We’ve been dismantling the pyramidion – the top section – and now the counterweight and rusting iron assembly have been dismantled and are now stored at ground level, alongside the stone from the pyramidion.

“This week we have started on the first batch of anchor-ties – which help to strengthen the structure – they are all located on the lower third.

“Once this phase is complete, we will be starting with the cavity grouting – trials for this will commence next week.

“We will then continue upward, grouting all voids in one-metre increments. Currently the team of six stonemasons have replaced about 80 stones.”

Wellington Monument has had a turbulent history over its more than 200-year life. The structure has struggled to stay in a good state of repair with false starts in its construction, failing repairs and a lack of funds.

Deterioration and the danger of falling masonry led to the structure being closed and a fence erected. Current global circumstances could have meant the restoration would once again be halted but work has proceeded in a socially distant way.

Helen Sharp, project manager for the National Trust, which owns Wellington Monument, said: “We are grateful to the community for their continued support of the project during these unusual times. We want to make sure they know that we continue to commit to looking after Wellington Monument.”

Funding to repair the monument has been received from grant-giving bodies and donors. It is also with thanks to the community who have also been generous with their donations that the trust has raised a total of £2.95 million.

Rebecca Pow, MP for Taunton Deane, said: “I have been involved with this project from the outset having secured initial funding from the Libor Fund of £1 million. This is a very challenging project, and has been made even more so during the pandemic, but the National Trust and the contractor have made it possible to progress the work following all the correct measures, which is a testament to their skills and dedication.

“I would like to thank all those who have been involved in furthering this project in a range of ways and those who have made donations so that the restoration of this iconic monument is possible. It’s a real symbol for the area heralding the gateway to the South-West. I pledged to work to restore the monument when I was first elected and am delighted that working with the National Trust and the local community, we are nearing our goal.”

The National Trust is still fundraising for the repair of the monument with just under £500,000 left to raise. Donations towards the appeal can be made at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellingtonmonumentappeal.