War memorials in North Tyneside are being revitalised ahead of Remembrance Day, as part of an £85,000 initiative.
North Tyneside Council, in partnership with the War Memorials Trust, has begun restoration work on monuments in Tynemouth, North Shields, and Dudley, to ensure they look their best in time for Remembrance Day on November 10.
The restoration is funded by the Council and the War Memorials Trust, with the work carried out by Classic Masonry of North Shields and guided by Ainsworth Spark Associates.
In Tynemouth, the Grade II listed Boer War Memorial on the village green will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment. This will include cleaning, stabilising, repairing cracks, and replacing weathered decorative finials, along with the restoration of bronze plaques.
In North Shields, the Grade II listed Hawkeys Lane Memorial has had its weathered inscriptions re-carved, and the monument is being cleaned and repointed.
In Dudley, a First World War Memorial, on Market Street, has been repaired and cleaned, with work to replace a missing anchor section still to come.
Councillor Carl Johnson, North Tyneside’s Deputy Mayor, said: “We have been working closely with local conservation experts and the War Memorials Trust to bring this important work forward. Many of our memorials are old, fragile, and costly to repair, so we've sought expert guidance and funding to undertake these restorations.
“This project reflects our deep commitment to honouring those who gave their lives in major conflicts, and ensuring these landmarks remain a focal point for future generations. My thanks to everyone involved in this project.”
The restorations follow a £100,000 investment in 2018/2019, which restored 22 of North Tyneside’s memorials in partnership with the War Memorials Trust and Historic England.
The latest work will be completed in time for Remembrance Sunday (November 10) and the council’s annual cleaning program will ensure all memorials are in pristine condition for the occasion.