War memorial next to sinking ground investigated

A century-old war memorial next to "sinking" ground is to be taken apart for investigation work.

The ground next to the 26ft (7.9m) structure in Vivary Park, Taunton, has started to sink, said Somerset Council chair Mike Best, with the ongoing hot and dry conditions potentially damaging the memorial.

The monument was designed in 1922 to commemorate more than 400 residents who lost their lives or were reported missing in World War One, and has since become the centre of the town's memorial events.

Work on stabilising the memorial started on Monday, with the immediate area surrounding it closed to the public for up to six weeks.

"It's very clear the ground next to the monument is starting to sink," Best said, explaining that the monument needs to be deconstructed so investigations into what is causing the movement can be carried out.

"It's a grade listed monument, so we have a duty to maintain it," he said, adding that he hoped the structure would "stand proud for another 100 years".

Frances Moreton, director of the War Memorials Trust, said memorials were part of "our social history, the background to commemoration and the reason we want to keep these names alive".

Wreaths placed on the structure during the annual VJ Day commemoration marking victory over Japan in 1945 - which took place on Sunday - will be moved to a nearby memorial bench, allowing visitors to continue paying their respects. They will be removed after four weeks, Somerset Council said.

Moreton explained the historic monuments required "appropriate contractors", adding: "You can't go along and use modern day products on them because you are likely to cause damage."

The work will involve steps being removed as part of the repairs before being repositioned, the council said.

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