Discussions are taking place around a re-dedication ceremony in 2014 and plans are in the pipeline for a host of events for all communities to enjoy at the much-loved site.

The Heritage Lottery Fund project, Raising The Barr, aimed to reinstate the well-known landmark as a shining beacon of community pride with a full restoration of the site’s heritage features including a rare design of flagpole, an historic tree plantation, and its war memorial.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Chair of Barr Beacon Trust, said: "We're really pleased with the finished result which now does justice to a site which is of significant historical importance. We thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for supporting this project and taking and sharing our passion for Barr Beacon, taking a keen interest throughout the restoration.

"The work was completed before the end of last month, as scheduled, and visitors are already commenting on the transformation of the memorial. We've got Bands on the Beacon on Sunday 30 June and Dig the Beacon - an archaeological exploration - scheduled in July and are continuing to work with schools and community groups to ensure the promotion and protection of the site."

The memorial's distinctive domed roof now has green zinc coated panels instead of copper to deter metal thieves and is one of very few structures in the UK that has this material for this design of roof structure.

The original paving has been cleaned using a process called ‘spinning’ which takes off a few millimetres of stone leaving the remainder looking good as new. Balustrades have also been put in place between the roof columns .

Security cameras have been installed at the landmark after the Barr Beacon Trust agreed to fund a CCTV system through SmartWater which provided security at the site free of charge throughout its restoration. The site also features a newly reinstated flagpole.

Peter Morgan, Casework Manager Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands said: “We are delighted to see the Raising the Barr project completed. As we approach the centenary of the First World War it is fitting that the memorial will once again shine as a symbol of community pride for generations past, present, and future.”

Walsall Council is part of a new partnership between the War Memorials Trust and the SmartWater Foundation called In Memoriam 2014 which forensically marks the metal plaques of all memorials around the UK with SmartWater.

Local contractors Midland Conservation Ltd of Aldridge have carried out the work and the project has been managed by Donald Insall Associates of Shrewsbury.

Councillor Gary Clarke, vice chair of the trust, added: "The war memorial looks fantastic and we are really enthusiastic about the potential for future events at Barr Beacon so that it can be enjoyed by all."

Notes to editors

First World War: then and now provides grants of £3,000 to £10,000 for communities to mark the centenary of the First World War. If you have a project idea to mark the centenary, an online application pack is available First World War: then and now page or contact the HLF West Midlands team by email on westmidlands@hlf.org.uk or telephone 0121 616 6870.

Further information

Walsall Council: Tina Faulkner, Press and Publicity Officer, Communications and Marketing (Resources) on 01922 650 879, fax: 01922 648 066, Blackberry: 07507 166 438, email: faulknert@walsall.gov.uk or visit the Walsall Council website.