Â鶹ԼÅÄ

A group is attempting to raise funds to save a damaged 230-year-old landmark near the border between Wales and England.

Cracks have appeared in Rodney's Pillar, which stands at 54ft (16.5m) tall and overlooks the village of Criggion in Powys.

The lightning conductor has also been stolen and locals are concerned it could be vulnerable in a storm.

It is thought the work to repair the pillar will cost about £160,000.

A feasibility study, carried out by local community councils, said the pillar, which pays tribute to Admiral George Brydges Rodney, could collapse within two years without the necessary repairs.

Lucy Roberts, a county councillor for the Llandrinio ward, said: "The pillar is a really important part of the area and it's important that we do what we can to preserve it.

"We've been told that within two years the pillar could significantly deteriorate - so it really is quite urgent. And perhaps most urgent is the lack of a lightning conductor.

"It's 1,200ft (365m) here [in altitude] and the pillar raised the height even further and makes it more susceptible to damage."

A group of trustees has been formed and begun the application of applying for charity status.

Criggion has another connection to the Royal Navy, as it was formerly home to tradio masts used to communicate with ships around the world during World War Two and the Cold War.

The Grade II listed monument was erected in 1782 to pay tribute to Admiral George Brydges Rodney, who led campaigns in the American War of Independence and in the Caribbean against the French.

Admiral Rodney was from Surrey, but Bill Lee, from the group of trustees, said Admiral Rodney took oak from the Breidden forest to build his ships.

The monument lies less than 1.4 miles (2.2km) from Shropshire and provides views of Cader Idris in Snowdonia.