A MAKEOVER of Southend’s two main war memorials is about to start to protect them for future generations.

Experts will complete work to repair and preserve Southend Cenotaph, in Clifton Terrace, and the war memorial at Campfield Road, Shoebury bymid-October, well in time for Remembrance Day parades in November.

The Cenotaph – a Grade II listed structure – on the Cliffs at Southend will be shrouded in scaffolding while cleaning and stone conservation work is are under way.

The project team consulted with planning officers and the War Memorials Trust on how best to ensure that the Cenotaph is safely preserved, and their recommendations included replacing damaged steps, repointing paving and repairing damaged paintwork.

This monument was built in 1920 to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First World War and was designed by the famous English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who is also responsible for the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

Meanwhile the war memorial on the green area next to the ambulance station at Campfield Road, Shoebury, is also to be restored to its original appearance. The stonework was affected by being painted over in the past, so the paint is to be cleaned off, and the structure is to be treated with sealant.

This memorial commemorates the 85 Shoebury residents killed or missing in the First World War and the 83 from the Second World War.

These £30,000 conservation works will be undertaken by a company called PAYE Stonework and Restoration.

Graham Longley, Southend councillor responsible for enterprise, tourism and economic development, said: “It is especially fitting that this work takes place as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War.”

Former mayor David Norman, Labour councillor for Victoria and Southend councillor responsible for adult social care, health and housing, said: “It’s very important to me personally as well as in my role as a councillor that we look after our memorials in the town.”