Work to conserve and improve the setting of the Grade II listed Sedgley Beacon tower will get underway this week, following a successful bid for funding from the UK Government.
A portacabin has already been delivered to site, in preparation for the works, which are designed to make the site feel safer and more welcoming.
Work includes vegetation clearance, replacement of the main vehicular entrance gate off Beacon Lane, repairs to stonework and metal work to the tower, replacement fencing, all of which together
Dudley Council worked in conjunction with the Friends of Sedgley Beacon to apply for UK Shared Prosperity Funding to enable the works.
Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “Sedgley Beacon is an iconic structure - a proud part of our heritage and one of Geosites in the Black Country Global Geopark.
“Unfortunately, the tower has sometimes been a target for antisocial behaviour and vandalism.
“We are working closely with the Friends of Sedgley Beacon, West Midlands Police, South Staffs Water and other key stakeholders, to address this by making a series of targeted improvements to the setting of the structure to make it feel safer and secure.”
Councillor David Stanley, Chair of the Friends of Sedgley Beacon added: “The tower has been obscured from view for years, but thanks to these works it will at long last be back in clear view, taking pride of place on the top of Beacon Hill.
“We see these improvements as part of an important first phase of works and hope to secure additional funding in the future that will focus on the interior of the tower itself so we can once again access the top of the tower to enjoy the views”
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