A crumbling Marlow relic could be taken off-site to be repaired in the spring or summer after work on it was halted due to concerns it could cause chaos for drivers in the town centre.

Work to repair the Grade-II listed obelisk, at the top of the High Street, was set for a £20,000 makeover last year but the work was delayed after it was feared that it would have a big impact on traffic, as diversions and traffic lights would have been in place all day.

Transport for Buckinghamshire was looking at taking the historic 1822 landmark away from its location to be worked on, and says it is still exploring that option with Historic England.

Spokesman Florence Matthews said: “Work was scheduled for completion in this current financial year, however concerns were raised with regards to the type of traffic control that was to be deployed and the adverse effect that this would have on the High Street and wider town.

“The structures team is now exploring options with Historic England for the possible renovation of the Obelisk at an off-site location.  

“This method of work will reduce significantly the impact of the works on the town. 

“We are looking to undertake the works in the late spring, early summer to take advantage of the better weather conditions for when the obelisk is re-constructed on site.”

The structure has fallen into disrepair in recent years and was going to receive some much-needed TLC following years of campaigning by The Marlow Society.