THE project to repair the National Trust’s Wellington Monument is taking a step forward as work on site is about to begin.

The team will take the first step during October and begin erecting the scaffolding which will be in place for the duration of the 18-month construction project. The scaffolding has been specially designed for the monument and will be free-standing, to ensure the structure is protected.

The scaffolding will be constructed by Apex and will take several months to erect. The plans include a viewing platform at eight metres high for visitors to experience the view towards the Quantock Hills. Over the winter work will begin with measuring and preparing the stonework. Repair work will get going in spring when warmer temperatures allow lime work to take place, and visitors will be able to get closer to the project on a scaffolding tour.

The repair work is being conducted by specialist contractor Sally Strachey Historic Conservation which has more than 30 years’ experience in the repair and conservation of historic fabric and architectural stonework.

Sally Strachey managing director Jake Motley said: “It is a great privilege to have this opportunity to work on such a unique and prestigious monument designed to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo.

“It is a very interesting project, in part due to the height of the monument at 53m, but also because of the special nature of the monument’s location in the Blackdown Hills.”

Helen Sharp, project manager for the National Trust, said: “It is exciting to see the project reach this milestone. We are pleased to have the specialist teams on-site and could not have reached this point without the dedication of the local community.”

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, whose early support was critical in securing funding to kick-start the project, said: “It is exciting to see work about to start on this tremendous project – something that would be hard to believe decades ago. Getting this far has been a superb team effort by the whole community and, of course, the National Trust and everyone should be commended.”

Mrs Pow added: “This is much more than a monument and the restoration will not just benefit the local area but the nation as a whole.”

The project to repair the monument will cost £3.45 million, with funding received from many major donors, the Chancellor and money granted through LIBOR funds, Historic England, Highways England and Viridor Credits.

The community has also been generous with its donations and a total of £2.8 million has been raised.

The National Trust is still raising the remaining £650,000 for the project – any donations towards the appeal can be made at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellingtonmonumentappeal