Work to transform the area around the Grylls Monument in Helston has been completed with workmen leaving the site in time for the weekend's remembrance services.

On Thursday afternoon a brief handover ceremony was held at the monument to mark the practical completion of the public realm scheme although an official opening ceremony will take place at a later date.

Among those present on Thursday was Helston's mayor, Gillian Geer, who said: "I am delighted to see that the Grylls Monument public realm scheme has come to fruition and will now be available for local residents and visitors to enjoy.

"During my term as mayor I hope to secure additional funding and sponsorship for further streetscape improvements that will make Helston even more attractive and help to sustain and improve commercial activity in the town centre."

The Grylls Monument public realm scheme was selected as the priority project for the town centre following an extensive programme of consultation with local residents and businesses. The final cost of the main scheme will not be confirmed until the beginning of December, but it is not envisaged that it will vary significantly from the agreed contract sum of approximately £283,000.

A large portion of this cash came from the section 106 agreement relating to development of Tesco and Sainsbury’s superstores on the edge of the town.

The complementary project to restore the Grylls Monument itself was completed earlier this year, supported by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cory Environmental Trust and Cornwall Heritage Trust, which met approximately 90 per cent of the cost.

Also present on Thursday were the deputy mayor, John Martin; the chair of the public realm project board, Cllr Nicola Boase; the chairman of Helston Bowling Club, Terry Channon; Cornwall councillor, Judith Haycock; town clerk, Chris Dawson and Nigel Sumpter, a former board member.

Cllr Boase said: "As chair of the public realm project board it is immensely satisfying to see tangible results for all of the hard work that the project team and board members have invested in the project over a considerable period of time.

"The improved facilities and environment around the monument and bowling green will be managed by the town council in future and provide opportunities for an enhanced programme of events and other activities that could benefit local people, businesses and visitors."

Mrs Geer gave thanks to Daryoush Toorneini, site agent for Cormac Contracting Ltd, for the work carried out and for conducting the contract with minimal disruption to the public, particularly residents living adjacent to the project site.

She also expressed the council’s appreciation for consultants Melissa Ralph, of MeiLoci, landscape architects, and Stephen Hole of 3HW Architecture and Design, who have provided professional service and whose passion and commitment to Helston has helped to ensure the success of the project.