Vandalised Barr Beacon memorial to get cameras

Funding has been agreed for a new CCTV system at Barr Beacon which will fit in with the £400,000 transformation of the site.

Metal thieves have repeatedly targeted the memorial, and zinc is already being installed at its domed roof to help prevent anti-social behaviour.

Thieves caused damage put at thousands of pounds when they struck twice in 2011, ripping copper off the monument.

The Barr Beacon Trust has agreed to fund a CCTV system through SmartWater, and cameras will be added while the restoration takes place.

The coated zinc, which is the same green colour as the previous roof, will act as another deterrent to thieves as its scrap metal value is worthless.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, chairman of the Barr Beacon Trust, said: "This site is of significant historical importance, and we will do everything in our power to stop the mindless vandalism that has plagued the war memorial in the past.

"Our thanks go to SmartWater for the security and monitoring system it has provided during the restoration which has ensured no further attacks have been carried out.

"The installation of permanent security cameras, combined with the use of zinc panelling that is worthless to thieves, should deter those who seek to destroy this much-loved monument.

"We have worked closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund to agree an alternative material to be used, and its officers are happy with our course of action."

The security Restoration work is being funded through a grant of £440,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). It also involves work on the flagpole and an historic tree plantation.

Contractors Midland Conservation Ltd of Aldridge have been carrying out the work. The zinc roof panels will be fixed to the monument in a vertical pattern with raised seams and clipped to the underlying timber framework.

The previous copper panels were laid horizontally and nailed to the roof timbers. This caused water to seep into the roof space, rotting the timber and weakening the rendered plaster ceiling.

SmartWater has provided security at the site free of charge throughout the restoration.

Phil Cleary, director of the SmartWater Foundation, said "We are delighted that we are able to provide ongoing support and protection to such an important and significant war memorial as Barr Beacon. The theft and vandalism of war memorials is an attack upon on our heritage. Therefore we will continue to work with our partners and do all we can to put a stop to this atrocious crime."