Restore our Wellington Monument

Rebecca Pow is campaigning to restore the iconic Wellington Monument

The iconic Wellington Monument stands tall on the Blackdown Hills and is clearly visible from all over the Taunton Deane constituency marking the gateway to the South West.

Very sadly, and to the disappointment of many local residents, the structure is in an increasingly worrying state of disrepair, is closed to the public and is now only very infrequently illuminated. With over 40,000 visitors each year, including a high number of people with physical and learning difficulties owing to the ease of access and beauty of the location, I believe the site should now be made safe as a matter of urgency and also reopened for the benefit of all.

The Monument commemorates the remarkable success achieved by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Wellington is regarded as one of our top 3 greatest war heroes and the structure, which is the 5th tallest three sided obelisk in the world, celebrates its 200th anniversary in October 2017 which would seem the perfect opportunity to begin a restoration programme.

I am running a campaign to help raise the profile of our much loved Monument with the ultimate aim of raising the funds to restore it, so that once again local people can climb the structure and enjoy the glorious views from the top. I have raised this issue in the Chamber of the House of Commons, it's received some excellent national publicity and I have been working hard behind the scenes on this potential project. To make the strongest possible case to the Government, and to prospective funders, it would be beneficial to demonstrate the greatest possible public support for this restoration plan. As a local myself, I realise what an emblem the Monument is in the area, and indeed nationally, and I am sure you will agree with me that we should preserve it!

If you would like to sign the petition, then please visit The Wellington Weekly, 26 High Street, Wellington TA21 8RA or Rebecca’s Constituency office; Masons House, Magdalene Street, Taunton, TA1 1SG.

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