Scaffolding around Shrewsbury's Lord Hill column to come down after repair work

The 200-year-old Lord Hill's Column could be uncovered within three weeks.

The landmark, outside the Shirehall, has been fenced off since April 2012 after small pieces of masonry fell off.

Shropshire Council set aside £140,000 to cover the costs of repairs, including £39,500 to hire scaffolding which was erected last September for a period of six months.

From April 16, a new weekly hire rate of £550 would have come into force for the scaffolding. However, it is understood that a new rate was negotiated – bringing the work in on budget.

The Rev Richard Hayes, chairman of the Friends of the Lord Hill Column, said of the scaffolding: "The reason it is still up is due to the winter we endured. It was warm, wet and windy and for that reason, contractors were unable to work in safety.

"Shropshire Council could not employ the conservators at that time either, despite being 80 per cent through the work.

"In fact we think the scaffolding may come down within the next three weeks - by the end of May.

"The cost of the scaffolding has been negotiated and the repair costs are going to be within budget. I have a letter from the council confirming that to me."

Mr Hayes, of St Alkmund's Church, said the current programme of works was the first phase to be completed.

"This work which has been carried out is remedial repairs. Plans are being drawn up for the re-making of the statue in the same material as it was 200 years ago."

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: "The Friends of Lord Hill have been fantastic in their dedication to seeing this great Shrewsbury landmark restored and we hope that this is a sign of good things to come."

The Friends group has been established to help Shropshire Council raise the £350,000 necessary to create a coade stone replica of the statue. It is hoped a replica will be in place by mid-2016 to mark the 200th anniversary of the original being completed.