Sutton Council has started a programme to renew heritage plaques in the borough after a recent audit identified 34 that are in need of restoration.

There are 60 plaques across Sutton that pay homage to people of historical importance to the local area or mark the historic value of buildings.

A specialist contractor has been appointed to undertake the work which is expected to be completed by the end of May 2014. The plaques will be cleaned and re-painted to give them a new lease of life.

One of the first plaques to be restored is at the Grove in Carshalton (see picture). The plaque explains that the house was built in 1828 near a grove of trees in the grounds of Stone Court by Joshua Ryle, partner in a firm of local calico printers. Between 1856 and 1884 it was the home of the Rector of Carshalton and then to the leather manufacturer Sir Samuel Barrow.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee, said:

“Sutton has a rich history and it’s important that we preserve it.

“We are committed to promoting our borough’s heritage and ensuring that it is accessible and inspirational for local people, and fosters citizenship, civic pride and a sense of belonging.

“The plaques are tributes and reminders of Sutton’s past and I look forward to seeing them returned to their former glory.”