CRUCIAL tests are being carried out on the structure of Wellington Monument – and the public have had a chance to meet members of the site and project teams.

As part of the process, visitors to the monument have the chance to see what is going on and hear from the experts one day each week.

Ken Evans, National Trust building surveyor for Wellington Monument, said: “In our more recent works we’ve discovered that the monument has some weak joints and bulging stonework.

“Testing the use of stainless steel bars and special ‘sock’ anchors will see if they will help strengthen the structure. We will also test different types of mortar recipes to see which is best to use for long-term repairs.

“It’s critical we get this right to ensure we make the best repairs, and it’s great that visitors to the site can find out more about this important stage of securing the monument’s future.”

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.