Finish in sight for £21k Wolverhampton Prince Albert statue overhaul
Work on one of Wolverhampton's most well known landmarks – the statue of Prince Albert – is on target as it emerged the project is likely to cost £21,000 to complete.
The memorial, in Queen Square, known as The Man On The 'Oss, is undergoing restoration for the first time in 20 years.
Bosses announced the scheme a few weeks ago and since then they have been checking it over to see the extent of the repair works which are needed.
The council revealed today that the scheme is on target to be completed by the end of next month.
Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Gurdip Thandi said: "Work to restore the Prince Albert Statue is progressing well and still on target to be completed next month.
"Assessments have been carried out to establish the exact nature of the works which are now well under way."
The exact cost of the project will not be finalised until it has been decided what work is needed on the stone plinth.
Hoardings have been installed around the statue while the work is carried out.
The statue, created by Thomas Thornycroft, portrays Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert on horseback in the military uniform of a Field Marshall and displaying the Order of the Garter.
It was unveiled in 1866 when Queen Victoria visited Wolverhampton – her first public engagement following the death of Prince Albert.
In honour of the occasion, the High Green was renamed Queen Square.
It has been subjected to vandal attacks over the years, and six years ago calls were made for the statue to be fenced off to stop it being targeted by yobs.
