Specialists repair the Minehead Cemetery lychgate, first time in 100 years, with plans for it to last another century.
Acrow props made it secure during the winter. Fences closed off the entrance for safety. Contractors plan to finish the main work by spring. The cemetery started back in 1867.
Twenty-two war casualties rest there, having fought in both World Wars. The lychgate is important because it is old. People noticed it was falling apart last year. The councillors said yes to fixing it.
They hired experts to do the work. Workers are lifting it carefully. They want to look at the oak walls as the oak is in bad shape. They will check the oak posts and decide to replace them or not.
The town clerk, Ben Parker, talked about the project. He said they will use good oak, which will match the lychgate’s history. The project includes new gates, too, as workers are replacing the old cemetery gates.
The new gates will be made of teak wood. They want the new gates to look nice and match the old lychgate style. The Minehead Conservation Society supports this and will give £500 when finished.
Mr. Parker said the council planned for this. They have £10,000 to help fix the cemetery. The cost seems like a lot of money now, but the long-term result is worth it, he explained.
He believes the lychgate will last. With care, it will stand for 100 years and stay a special landmark for Minehead.