In the second phase of the scheme, contractors are working on laying a pavement of natural stone on the terrace around the war memorial and landscaping works within the memorial gardens itself.

The leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley, donned a hard hat to meet stonemasons and get an update on the second phase of the painstaking improvement works.

The first phase saw the Grade II listed soldier sitting atop the memorial repaired and enhanced, walls and railings repaired and new architectural lighting installed. Now contractors are working on laying a pavement of natural stone on the terrace around the war memorial and undertaking a programme of hard and soft landscaping works within the memorial gardens itself. The topography of the site has made this a challenging scheme, requiring substantial structural works to the intermediate stone walls that run through the centre of the site.

The work is part of a wider regeneration programme for the town through the £1.8million Brierley Hill High Street Heritage Action Zone, a Government funded grant programme administered by Historic England.

The project will also see new planters installed in the four inset bays which can be used to support Brierley Hill in Bloom delivered by Brierley Hill Community Forum, keen champions for restoration works being undertaken at Brierley Hill War Memorial. Councillor Patrick Harley, said:

"It’s fantastic to see the progress that has been made on this project and to see skilled stonemasons in action. The war memorial sits on a key gateway into Brierley Hill and once restored will ensure the memories of those heroic soldiers listed on it will live on to inspire and educate future generations. It is one of a number of positive developments in the pipeline for Brierley Hill.

"As a council we are committed to improving the town, and we are working closely with the very active community forum to drive forward real change and improve the lives of people who live and work here."

Cllr Adam Davies, Councillor for Brierley Hill ward, added: “This is such a special project for our town, and it’s great to see the next phase of works on the gardens progressing so well.

"The team have worked hard creating new levels in the bank of the gardens, and now we’re seeing the brilliant traditional stonemasonry skill of Malcolm, Steven and Martin – a father and sons team – add that something extra to the project.

“Local people are looking forward to seeing these long called for works completed, and I personally want to give a big thank you to all the workmen and wider team who have been working to bring this special project together.”

The work is being done by Midland Conservation Ltd and being overseen by Oliver Architecture and is expected to be complete by the end of April to the beginning of May.