Work to repair the botched renovation of Ledbury’s war memorial has been hit by further delays.

Ledbury Town Council had hoped to get the repairs underway in August but a delay in receiving Listed Building Consent prevented this happening.

Three companies have now tendered for the work and these will be considered by councillors at a meeting on October 6.

But as the memorial plays such a central role in Ledbury’s Remembrance services, the council is keen for it to be available on Friday, November 11 and Sunday, November 13.

READ MORE: Work to repair botched restoration of Ledbury War Memorial is delayed

“Sadly, this does mean that the works to repair the War Memorial and paving will not commence until after the Remembrance Service in November,” a spokesperson said.

“It had been hoped that work would start on the War Memorial in late August and completed prior to the Remembrance Service in November.

“However, due to a delay in receiving the Listed Building Consent this unfortunately was not the case. This has now been received and three tenders for the works have also been received.

Council apologises for war memorial delays

“The council would like to apologise for the delays but hope that residents will understand that they want to make sure all necessary processes are followed to ensure the work to the War Memorial is carried out to a required standard.”

A previous restoration of the High Street monument took place in 2020 following a £30,000 donation from former Lancaster bomber Stuart Heaton, but cracks and green mould started appearing just months later.

Wooden planters were placed around the Grade II listed monument in High Street to stop its base being a trip hazard.

READ MORE: Ledbury gathers at War Memorial to remember Queen Elizabeth II

And angry residents even visited the original contractors to stage a demonstration.

A statement from the town council said architects Caroe & Partners were acting on their behalf and had made the application for Listed Building Consent as well as drawing up a specification and sending it to prospective contractors.

The council previously confirmed that the style of paving at the base of the memorial would be changed to be brick set, to help prevent it breaking when vehicles mount the kerb.

It was also revealed that a new paving stone with Mr Heaton’s name on would form part of the renovated memorial.