WORK is set to be carried out to reveal an historic, 274-year-old obelisk on Chelford Road in Knutsford.

Knutsford Town Council is undertaking a project to repair and reveal the obelisk, a Grade II listed structure dating from 1745.

The site is on the edge of the Legh Road Conservation Area, and a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) covers the site, but no works are proposed to the trees protected by the order.

Knutsford Guardian:

The current view of the obelisk

Town clerk Adam Keppel-Green said: “The obelisk was originally a striking focal point when entering Knutsford, but this area has since become overgrown and the obelisk has been hidden.

“The town council will be undertaking repairs to the obelisk itself, and wishes to remove the various holly, laurel and other self-sown non-substantial trees on the site to reveal the obelisk and leave the four mature sycamore trees as the backdrop to the obelisk.

Knutsford Guardian:

The view of the obelisk towards Knutsford

“The remainder of the site will be grassed and planted with ornamental flowers and hedging/bushes to maintain a green entrance to the town.

“The intention is to positive enhance the character of the Legh Road Conservation Area and this entrance to Knutsford.

The largest tree to be removed, a holly, has a diameter of five feet.

Knutsford Guardian:

The view towards Chelford, with a large holly obscuring the obelisk

Adam added: “There are four substantial mature trees on site which it is understood are covered by a group TPO.

“No works are proposed to these at this stage and, once the site has been cleared, a tree survey will be commissioned to identify any works required for the longevity of these trees.”

Approval for the tree work is being sought by the town council from Cheshire East Council.