Scaffolding surrounding The Column in Shrewsbury was set to be removed by the end of today after restoration work to the statue of Lord Hill was completed.

The 133ft landmark, which dates back to 1816, is now fully visible following nearly two months of work.

It had been under wraps since March, while work began on April 23.

Conservation specialists Taylor Pearce Restoration Services were today removing the last piece of scaffolding from the site, although a security fence will remain in place until the end of this week.

The work was carried out on behalf of Shropshire County Council.

Gareth Proffitt, spokesman for the authority, said: “All the scaffolding should be down by the end of the day.

“The security fence will stay in place until the end of this week when the scaffolding will then be transported away.”

The column, one of Shropshire’s most notable landmarks, is given a facelift by workers every five to six years.

Built in June 1816, the column is the largest Grecian Doric column in the world.

Standing at 133ft, it is 13ft higher than Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square.

Last month a protester used the scaffolding to scale 70ft up the column, displaying a banner for more than six hours until police eventually talked him down.