REPAIRS and improvements are earmarked for an historic obelisk to address concerns over its deteriorating condition.

The 274-year-old Chelford Road obelisk opposite Toft Cricket Club is a Grade II listed structure.

It was erected in 1745 by the Leghs of Booths Hall, and it is believed the stone of the column came from the old Booths Hall - the current hall dates to 1745 - or from St Helena’s Church, which was demolished around this time.

The top of the column is an urn with flames/flower head, and it is believed this came from the church as it is ascribed to Ralph Leycester from Toft Hall.

A resident contacted town clerk Adam Keppel-Green expressing concern about the condition of the obelisk.

“The resident expressed concern that the condition had deteriorated over the years and the base was damaged,” said Adam.

“The resident also highlighted that the surrounding area was overgrown and unsightly, and suggested the town council look to renovate the area to ‘make a real wow statement’ on the entrance to Knutsford.”

The town council’s Environment and General Purposes Committee agreed the clerk should prepare a fully-costed business case for repairs to the obelisk and improvements to the area around it, and to submit bids for grant funding for the work.

The committee had previously agreed to investigate improvements to the obelisk and surrounding area, and commissioned a structural survey in January.

The survey highlighted that pointing of sections of the obelisk had been undertaken with cement mortar rather than lime mortar, the stone base had broken sections probably caused by frost damage and there was a slight lean to the rear.

The survey recommended repair or replacement of the stone base and repointing.

Adam said: “From a site visit it is suggested the area could be improved by pruning the trees around the obelisk, removing surrounding bushes and bramble to open the site up, grassing the area and planting bushes or a hedge at the rear of the site.

“The site clearance could be undertaken with volunteers from businesses based at Booths Hall.

“An interpretation board could be installed on the site or in the verge on the opposite side, providing information on the obelisk and historic photographs. The cost of this would be around £700.

“The committee has previously agreed it is important to preserve the obelisk, and resolved to support improvements to the area.”

The works to the obelisk and improvements to the surrounding area are estimated to cost about £5,700. The clerk is exploring grant funding and sponsorship.