Cherry picker gets to work at Barr Beacon memorial
Date Published : 10 March 2010
A detailed inspection will be carried out on the roof and timbers of Barr Beacon’s vandalised war memorial later this week.
Copper was stolen off the roof of the stone structure which lies on a 240-acre site off Beacon Road, Aldridge, and the inspection is key to future decisions on repair work.
A large cherry picker will be used as it is the best equipment suited to the uneven ground at the site and the inspection will be carried out on Thursday 11 March 2010.
Thieves struck at Barr Beacon some time between 8pm on Thursday 4 March 2010 and 9am on Friday 5 March 2010.
The memorial is currently cordoned off and the roof is covered over with tarpaulin to protect it from the elements.
Tools abandoned at the site have been forwarded to police and forensic tests are being carried out on them in a bid to catch the culprits.
In December last year the Heritage Lottery Fund gave the green light to a first round application made by Walsall Council’s greenspace services for a £500,000 restoration project at the site.
The council is now working on the second round of the HLF application process.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader and chairman of Barr Beacon Trust, said: This attack has sickened all of us who care about this important landmark – both within Walsall Council and in the community.
We hope the police will be able to catch those responsible and I would reiterate the plea for anyone who has any information to contact them.
We have arranged for the company that did the conditions survey for the first round application for the Heritage Lottery Fund to inspect the dome of the memorial on Thursday and to give us advice regarding repair or replacement options.
This will also give us a clearer idea of the costs involved.
We are also liaising with the HLF regarding what it would be agreeable to and what, crucially, would not compromise the second round submission.
This is undoubtedly a setback but we will continue to move forward with the HLF application and keep the pride in this historic monument alive.”
Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Cabinet member for leisure and culture, added: I understand we are looking at the possibility of replacing the copper with an alternative material that looks the same but doesn’t have any scrap value.
It’s sad that we have to do so but while there are individuals out there who have no respect for their heritage then we have no choice.”
Barr Beacon is one of the highest points in the West Midlands and can offer views of Shropshire, the Black Country, Staffordshire and Cannock Chase.
Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to call West Midlands Police 0845 113 5000.
