Fencing will remain around a Grade II listed monument in Wiltshire as a restoration scheme progresses.

The National Trust confirmed it has appointed a lead architect to help develop plans for improvements to the Lansdowne Monument, near Cherhill, which has been shrouded in scaffolding for more than a decade.

The fencing was erected in 2010 to protect people from falling masonry, and the cost of repairs to make the 38-metre stone obelisk safe has previously been estimated at a whopping £2.7 million.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: A sign on the scaffolding explaining the reason for itA sign on the scaffolding explaining the reason for it (Image: Newsquest)In the meantime, the landmark will remain covered up for safety reasons.

While the National Trust is yet to settle on a solution to the issue, it insisted it is committed to finding an answer.

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A spokesperson said: “We are committed to a sustainable future for the Lansdowne Monument.  

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Lansdowne Monument The Lansdowne Monument (Image: Newsquest)“The Lansdowne monument was acquired by the National Trust in 1988 when it was found to be in a state of dilapidation and repairs were subsequently carried out.  

“We continue to work on a long-term solution and have appointed a lead architect to undertake feasibility work which we are in the early stages of reviewing.

“Whilst it is too early to confirm a specific solution our aim is for a long-term, sustainable approach for the monument and the surrounding SSSI and Scheduled Ancient Monument within which it is situated.”