A tribute to those who gave their lives in service
The initiative underpins the North East Council’s commitment to honouring local heritage and preserving these monuments as tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
Deputy Mayor Carl Johnson has highlighted the project's importance, emphasising the Council’s collaboration with conservation specialists to protect these "old, fragile, and costly" landmarks. “Working with the War Memorials Trust and local experts demonstrates our deep commitment to these memorials,” he said, stressing the Council’s dedication to preserving these symbols for future generations.
Among the sites to be restored is the Grade II-listed Boer War Memorial on Tynemouth’s village green. This significant monument will undergo structural stabilisation, crack repairs, cleaning, and the replacement of worn finishings. The monument’s bronze plaques, including the names and ranks of those who served, will also be carefully restored to maintain their clarity and dignity.
"I am delighted by this, it is a great scheme"
Conservative councillor for Tynemouth, Lewis Bartoli has stated “I am delighted by this, it is a great scheme and I have been working for this for years and having looked at the plans it looks like a really comprehensive and professional job and I know from speaking to other residents they are also delighted by it.”
In North Shields, the Grade II-listed Hawkeys Lane memorial will receive new inscriptions to replace faded text, along with cleaning and repointing to bolster its structure. In Dudley, the World War I memorial on Market Street has already undergone cleaning and repairs, with plans to replace a missing anchor.
This project builds on North Tyneside Council’s previous investment of £100,000 between 2018 and 2019, which enabled the restoration of 22 other memorials throughout the area. Through regular maintenance and annual cleaning as part of a long-term preservation plan, the Council aims to keep these sites in excellent condition, particularly for occasions alike to Remembrance Day. These efforts reflect Newcastle’s commitment to honouring those commemorated and to ensuring that these memorials remain vital symbols of remembrance and community heritage.
The restoration work is led by Local firm Classic Masonry, in collaboration with conservation specialists Ainsworth Spark Associates.
