PAIN-STAKING work to remove the town’s iconic Golden Gates is continuing.

As reported previously in the Warrington Guardian, Warrington Borough Council is spending £500,000 to improve the historic gates after they fell into disrepair.

Work start next month and is expected to be completed in the new year.

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The restoration scheme will see the Grade II listed structure restored to its former glory.

The gates were originally intended as a gift for Queen Victoria before being purchased for the town by councillor Frederick Monks.

The previous refurbishment was carried out in 1978-79.

However, the council says the ‘urban location’ and proximity to a ‘marine climate’ have resulted in the gates showing signs of deterioration.

The authority began work with international engineering, design and consultancy company, Ramboll, to identify the right conservators to carry out the specialist work.

Following a tender process, the council selected Hall Conservation – one of the UK’s leading conservation firms – as the contractor.

Workers are currently to repair, enhance and preserve the gates.

One of the wings has been removed and the whole structure will soon disappear to be repainted, restored and restored.