Further repair work planned for Spalding war memorial

It is hoped further repair work to a town war memorial can be carried out as part of an ongoing restoration project.

Spalding’s Temple of Remembrance was in need of a ‘significant programme’ of restoration, an architect’s report found two years ago.

Since then a programme to restore the Grade I-listed memorial, which sits in Ayscoughfee Gardens, has been undertaken.

Repair work, including the installation of a new perimeter French drain and tank to divert rain flow away from the monument, has already been carried out earlier this year.

And now South Holland District Council hopes this additional cleaning and repair work can be undertaken at the Temple of Remembrance, which was designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, after submitting a planning application.

A series of cracks have been spotted in the structure while the base plinths to the columns also need attention.

“The base plinth (to column one) is badly damaged and repair work comprises the cutting out of damaged areas on the north face of the column, and the replacement using matching stone, carved to profile,” information provided by the authority said.

“Column two… is generally in better condition than column one, though some mortar repairs have been implemented on the base, which may not be of an appropriate mortar mix.

“This mortar is to be examined and if cemetitious, it is to be carefully removed and refilled using a suitable lime mortar mix (provided its removal does not cause damage to the surrounding stone).”

On top of this the existing wall render has ‘deteriorated significantly’ and is ‘cracked extensively’ while the existing stone skirting has deteriorated badly and in areas ‘has been previously replaced, unsuccessfully’.

“The existing skirting is to be carefully removed throughout,” the paperwork added.

“New stone skirting is to be provided to the base of all walls and piers except along the south elevation.

“To the south elevation a new reconstituted stone skirting is to be installed. The profile, size, material and finish of the skirting is to match those original sections that remain.”

A condition survey report carried out by Scorer Hawkins Architects in 2023 said: “Unfortunately, this survey finds the overall condition of the building in a fairly poor state of repair and in need of a significant programme of remedial work to safe-guard its long-term future.

“The various defects appear to be predominately associated with the effects of water penetration through poor groundwater drainage of the surrounding hard-landscaping.

“Given the monument’s role within the cultural heritage of Spalding and its wider architectural significance, the necessity of these recommendations should be considered of the upmost importance.”