Upgrade to land surrounding Victorian tower

Up to £120,000 is to be spent improving the surroundings of the Grade II listed Sedgley Beacon tower.

Dudley Council said a successful funding bid was made to the government's Shared Prosperity Fund and work will get under way this week.

Vegetation will be cleared, the main vehicle entrance off Beacon Lane replaced, repairs made to the stone work and metal work to the tower and new fencing installed.

The area has become a target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism, councillor Simon Phipps said, and work was being done with Friends of Sedgley Beacon, West Midlands Police and South Staffs Water to improve the setting.

"Sedgley Beacon is an iconic structure - a proud part of our heritage and one of Geosites in the Black Country Global Geopark," Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said.

"Unfortunately, the tower has sometimes been a target for antisocial behaviour and vandalism."

The targeted improvement would make the setting of the structure feel safer and more secure, he explained.

The Victorian tower, which sits within a scientifically important location, was constructed under the orders of astronomer Lord Wrottersley and was said to be his tower for observing the night sky, the council said.

"The tower has been obscured from view for years, but thanks to these works it will at long last be back in clear view, taking pride of place on the top of Beacon Hill," councillor David Stanley, chair of the Friends of Sedgley Beacon said.

"We see these improvements as part of an important first phase of works and hope to secure additional funding in the future that will focus on the interior of the tower itself so we can once again access the top of the tower to enjoy the views."

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