THE PETITION to restore the Wellington Monument will be presented to the House of Commons after more than 1,500 signatures were collected.

MP for Taunton Deane Rebecca Pow launched the petition in May as the iconic landmark had fallen into a state of disrepair. The petition was closed on July 15 and was presented to parliament yesterday with the support of 1,586 signatures. 

The monument is now closed to the public and visitors are unable to climb the 232 steps inside. It has been shut off to the public since 2008 over fears of falling masonry. Ms Pow believes that more than 40,000 people still visit the site each year due to its scenic location.

Ms Pow said: "Demonstrating the greatest possible support for restoring the Wellington monument is key to making the strongest case to government and potential funders for this restoration project.

"I am delighted by the huge response to the petition, with hundreds of people adding their names to back this potential scheme.

"There are a plethora of reasons why we should restore this much loved local feature for future generations: it’s a wonderful beacon in the area in a beautiful location and is enjoyed by thousands; it is a fitting accolade to the Duke of Wellington, one of our 3 greatest war heroes and commemorates his success at the Battle of Waterloo; it is of international architectural significance and is an iconic landmark signalling the gateway to the wider South West and so is recognised by millions of travellers using the M5, especially during this busy summer period.

"On all these grounds I am sure you will agree the Monument needs restoring."

The petition also has the support of the 9th Duke of Wellington, Charles Wellesley. The Duke expressed his relationship with the monument at a meeting with Ms Pow in Westminster. The monument has great significance to his family history and to the surrounding area.

The monument is one of three memorials constructed to celebrate the Duke of Wellington's as a war hero. The Duke also pointed out the uniqueness of the monument as it is the tallest three sided structure in the world.

National Trust has spent the last 12 months carrying out surveying works to assess the structure and to come up with a range of repair options.

Helen Sharp, project manager for the National Trust at Wellington Monument, says: "We are really pleased that the Duke of Wellington has added his name to those who are keen to see the Monument repaired.

"We understand just how important the Monument is to local people and are thrilled that so many have shown their support by signing the petition.

"Our work to consider the future repairs is continuing and we plan to be in a position to share the next steps soon.

"We’re listening closely to what people are telling us about how important the Monument is to them."