Cash aid to save historic column

The grant will be used for analysis of the column

One of South Yorkshire's most historic monuments could be saved from falling into disrepair after being awarded a cash grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Keppel's Column in Kimberworth, near Rotherham, is a Grade II listed building.

The 115ft tall monument's condition has been deteriorating over the last few years and it is now in need of repair work.

Now Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, who are responsible for the care of the building, have been awarded £22,800 to pay for technical analysis of the structure prior to any restoration work.

Safe access

Councillor Georgina Boyes, the Cabinet member for Education, Culture and Leisure said: "It is good to see the Heritage Lottery Fund helping us pay for this sort of work.

"A small grant like this could lead to hundreds of thousands of pounds coming into Rotherham to allow the council to repair and reopen Keppel's Column to the public."

The grant will be used to provide safe access for experts to assess the repairs required, an estimation of the costs and a public consultation about the column's future.

The column was built to honour Admiral Augustus Viscount Keppel, a close friend of the Marquis of Rockingham. Work started on the structure in 1778.

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