METAL studs are to be erected outside the Elgar Statue plinth to 'make pedestrians aware that it is there' said a Worcestershire County Council spokesman.

The famous statue of renowned composer Edward Elgar at the top of Worcester High Street, was installed onto a plinth as part of the Cathedral Square development at the end of July.

The statue was damaged twice in one week in August, although the council spokesman said that this was not responsible for their decision and the work was a pre-planned measure.

The spokesman added that the work was likely to take a few days.

The spokesman said: "The council is installing metal studs around the plinth to make pedestrians aware that the plinth is there. The works taking place are planned works."

Over the bank holiday weekend in August a vehicle is believed to have driven into the plinth whilst trying to deliver goods to a restaurant in the square.

Worcester News reader Andrew Kelsall sent images in the same week in August showing signs of wear on the plinth - despite it having been up for only a few weeks. He thought skateboarders were to blame.

The statue was first unveiled in 1981 by the Prince of Wales.

Over the years, jokers have adorned Elgar with swimming goggles, a cap and a traffic cone, among other items.