Extensive cleaning will take place to preserve Colchester’s town centre war memorial.

Specialist conservation contractors will clean the stonework, granite steps and statues.

Colchester Council is also commissioning essential maintenance work on the neighbouring ornamental gates and railings in Cowdray Crescent, at the entrance to Castle Park.

Wooden hoardings will be in place while the makeover is carried out, but public access to the park will be maintained.

The work, which will cost £5,300, will begin with removal of the gates tomorrow and is due to be completed by the end of October, in time for November’s Remembrance Day service.

Annie Feltham, borough councillor for communities and leisure services, said: “Colchester has a unique and wonderfully distinctive history, which is shown in our historic area’s fine buildings and ancient monuments.

“We take our duty to preserve them seriously and I’m pleased we are able to carry out these works on the war memorial."

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