Lord Hill statue may have to be replaced

The startling announcement comes after two pieces of the statue fell to the ground.

A section of the 17ft statue's left hand fell to the ground last April, and the 133ft tall, Grade II listed Column, outside Shirehall, has been fenced off ever since.

The exclusion zone around the site was extended in December after another piece of stone dropped off the statue and landed outside fencing.

Last November experts from Taylor Pearce Restoration Services carried out detailed tests to look at the extent of the damage.

A report from Taylor Pearce has now laid out a number of recommendations for the statue – including the possibility of replacing it.

Other options being considered by council officers include extensive repairs.

But they must seek the views of conservation group English Heritage before any decisions or further action can be taken.

The Shropshire Star was unable to view a copy of the report, which council bosses said would be kept under wraps until feedback had been received from English Heritage.

Inspection

Council bosses have confirmed the safety fencing will remain in place while options are considered.

Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, said: "Taylor Pearce carried out a very thorough inspection of Lord Hill and they've now presented us with a detailed report that outlines their findings and recommendations.

"As the column is a listed structure, the first thing we have to do is consult with English Heritage to seek their views about the findings and the future course of action.

"Once we have their feedback, and are a little clearer on what the next steps may be, we'll let people know."

Lord Hill's Column is the tallest Doric column in England.

The statue was completed in June 1816 and commemorates the Right Honourable Rowland Lord Hill, of Hawkstone and Hardwick Grange, who was commander-in-chief of the British Army.

Born at Prees Hall, near Hawkstone in April 1772, Lord Hill fought alongside the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo.

The first stone for the column was laid on December 27, 1814 on the festival of St John the Evangelist.

The last stone was laid on June 1816, the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

The landmark cost 5,972 pounds, 13 shillings and 2 pence.