Restoration work on Sedgley Beacon, a Grade II listed tower, has reached a major milestone with the removal of scaffolding revealing the fully repointed sandstone structure.

The second phase of improvements is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and led by Dudley Council in partnership with the Friends of Sedgley Beacon. The project aims to preserve the historic tower and improve opportunities for future public access.

Staircase Steps Reinstated

Contractors have successfully reinstated 17 missing stone steps within the tower's spiral staircase. However, a further seven missing steps were identified at the very top of the tower once scaffolding was erected. Dudley Council is currently seeking additional external funding to enable these final steps to be reinstated.

The reinstatement of the staircase is described as an important step towards the long-term ambition of opening up greater access to the tower.

Council and Community Response

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: "It is fantastic to see Sedgley Beacon looking so impressive following the completion of these latest restoration works. The repointing has significantly improved the appearance and condition of the tower, while the successful installation of 17 replacement stone steps is a major milestone in our efforts to safeguard this important historic landmark. We remain committed to completing the restoration of the staircase and are exploring opportunities to secure further funding for the final seven steps."

Councillor David Stanley, chair of the Friends of Sedgley Beacon, said: "The transformation is remarkable. With the scaffolding removed, people can now fully appreciate the work that has taken place and just how much the tower has benefited from the investment. The reinstatement of the staircase is another significant achievement and literally brings us a step closer to our ambition of increasing access to this iconic local landmark."

Heritage Open Day Planned

The council is planning to host a heritage open day at Sedgley Beacon in September in partnership with the Friends of Sedgley Beacon. The event will give members of the public a rare opportunity to step inside the tower and learn more about its history, significance and ongoing restoration. Further details will be announced in due course.