WELLINGTON Monument will be open again for guided tours from Saturday (September 4) following a two-year, £3.1 million restoration project.

At around 175ft high, it is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world and the complex restoration project – the first on such a scale in the monument’s history – presented a major challenge.

But the National Trust believes the Grade II* listed structure is now in a better condition than when it was first completed. It is even expected to be removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register at its next update.

The trust said the restoration would not have been possible without the massive support of the local community. Fundraisers in the town and wider area generated support for the project and had a number of their own creative initiatives towards the cost of repairs. 

Helen Sharp, the National Trust’s project manager, said: “This has been a huge undertaking and to see it completed is a special day for us and the people of Wellington.

“The local community have really rallied round to help us with the fundraising that will ensure this striking landmark remains a feature of the Somerset landscape. We’d like to thank all the supporters and donors who helped to make the future of the monument much more secure.” 

Guided tours may be booked online through the National Trust.

Full report in next Friday’s WWN.