Legal move 'safeguards monument'

The monument was erected in 1833

The future of an historic Shropshire landmark has been secured by a legal move, a council has said.

Telford and Wrekin Council has taken over the deeds of Lilleshall Monument and the land immediately around it.

The 70ft (21m) pillar, put up on Lilleshall Hill in 1833 in honour of the Duke of Sutherland, was starting to crack, the council said.

The council said it was unclear who owned the monument and who was responsible for its maintenance.

It worked with Lilleshall and Donnington Parish Council and after contacting the current Duke of Sutherland, it succeeded in transferring the deeds to the landmark.

Telford and Wrekin Council Leader Andrew Eade said: "The Lilleshall Monument is an important landmark in the borough and one that should be preserved for future generations.

"By legally transferring the monument's deeds to the council, we have successfully safeguarded its future and its place on Lilleshall Hill."