By Amber Markwell

Preparation work has today started on taking down the iconic mast at HMS Ganges in Shotley Gate.

Workmen cleared the scrub around the base of the mast by hand and then used a digger and a dumper truck to clear away the area around the Grade 2 listed monument.

Tags have been placed on various parts of the mast and the rigging so specialists know where to replace items.

Dumper taking away scrub from HMS Ganges mast (Picture credit: Shotley peninsual Nub News)

The yardarms, rigging, securing ropes, and main parts of the two different masts will be taken down to either be renovated, or replaced like fo like.

As the bottom part of the mast is buried in six metres of concrete that will stay and the replacements will be carefully put back up.

Dismantling will take around a month to six weeks to complete and the mast it will be at least a year before it is restored.

Derek Davis, Babergh district councillor for Ganges ward which covers Shotley and Erwarton, said: "Cynics said it would never happen, well here is the reality. It is another tremendous step forward."

Joint developers Wavensmere and Galliard Homes are committed to ensuring the ceremonial mast, which was also used for training purposes during the stone frigate's existence as a Royal Navy Training Establishment, will be the centre point of the development they have called Barrelman's Point.

New entrance to be opened up to protect Ganges ceremonial gates

HMS Ganges mast in disprepair (Picture credit: Shotley Peninsula Nub news)