War memorial is in line for renewal work
A GATESHEAD war memorial could be spruced up if plans are given the go-ahead
Plans have been lodged to carry out a range of maintenance works on the Stargate War Memorial in Ryton.
If the proposals are given the goahead then the Grade II-listed memorial, at the junction of Stargate Lane and King Edward Street, will be cleaned, repointed and refurbished.
A design and access statement lodged with the authority’s planning department said scaffolding would be erected around the structure so the works could be carried out.
Once this has been done the memorial will be steam-cleaned, with sheets fitted to the scaffolding to ensure that hot spray won’t drift into public areas.
A missing lead letter will then be replaced before the inscriptions and brass plaque are re-enamelled.
Metal and paintwork on the memorial will also be cleaned and treated.
The statement described the structure as “an eloquent witness to the tragic impact of world events on this local community, and the sacrifice it has made in the conflicts of the 20th Century.”
The document said the works will make sure that it can continue to pay tribute to those who had fallen fighting for their country.
It added: “The work as a whole will ensure that the existing materials do not further deteriorate and that the war memorial can be appropriately appreciated and understood by the general public.
“The impact on the significance of the heritage asset will only be positive and it will enhance the experience of the memorial and gardens to members of the public wishing to visit it.
“The impact of the proposals on the war memorial’s significance will be of enhancement and preserved, through informed restoration and repair. The works are specific to this asset and have no outstanding visible change.”
Gateshead Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals in early January.