Investigation work on a crumbling Marlow landmark will take place next week ahead of its £20,000 makeover later this year.

In June it was announced the Grade II listed obelisk, which sits at the centre of the roundabout at the top of the High Street, will receive some much needed TLC following after years of campaigning from The Marlow Society.

On Wednesday, August 23 Bucks County Council workers will move in on the the historic landmark overnight to establish the aims of the upcoming conservation project.

It is hoped the investigation will determine when the restoration work can begin and what traffic management measures will be needed.

However, it is feared the restoration work could have a big impact on traffic in the already crowded town centre as the diversion and traffic lights will be in place 24-hours a day.

Deputy cabinet member for transport at Bucks County Council, Paul Irwin, said: “I hope that residents will bear with the work this autumn, and understand that the 24 hour closure is necessary even though contractors will not always be on site, as they need to allow time for materials to cure before continuing – they will, however, be encouraged to work weekends to speed the process along.

"There’s no denying that the conservation work will cause some traffic issues, but the people of Marlow have campaigned to see the obelisk restored to its former glory for a long time and I think the end product will be worth the disruption.”

The obelisk was built in 1822 as a way point marker for travelling coaches – however it has deteriorated in recent years and sections of stone lettering have crumbled away.

Renovation work will be carried out by a specialist contractor who will clean and repair the monolith and re-engrave the damaged lettering using photographs to ensure the restoration is faithful to the original appearance.

Marlow’s mayor, Jocelyn Towns, said: “We’re delighted that the obelisk will be repaired, and hopefully before the busiest time of the year – Christmas.

“Transport for Buckinghamshire has said they will do their utmost to complete the works in the shortest possible time and with the least possible disruption to the local area.

“There will be short delays due to the traffic lights, so we hope people will prepare in advance for their journeys during the period.”

The work on August 23 will begin at 9pm and continue to the early hours of Thursday morning, according to the county council.