Abingdon's war memorial is sinking -- and it could cost thousands of pounds to restore.

The monument, unveiled in The Square 81 years ago to commemorate soldiers killed in the First World War, is tilting to one side.

Engineering consultants are to carry out a £4,000 survey to see what could be causing the monument to subside, and report on the extent of any repair work.

The engineers will carry out an initial survey of the structure and its foundations to assess if another structure could be buried underneath.

Records refer to an old well, and there are stories of an underground storage tank.

A more detailed survey will be conducted later in the year.

Abingdon Town Council's technical officer Steve Rich said: "The monument is showing signs of leaning which is of concern.

"No-one is at risk, but the council is anxious to investigate and remedy the situation. The memorial is in need of a general refurbishment."

Viewed from the pavement outside the former Regal cinema, the memorial leans to the left. Parts of the paved area surrounding the structure have subsided, and pools of water often collect there after rainfall.

Moss is growing in parts of the base and some areas of the plinth are beginning to flake and break away. The stone work needs cleaning but use of a high powered water cleaner could damage the fragile stonework.

Mr Rich added: "We are anxious that it should be restored. It could be a costly business but we won't know for sure until the engineers have carried out a proper survey.

"The memorial is an integral feature of Abingdon and it is important that it is restored and made safe to remember those who lost their lives in two world wars"

The cost of the survey has been met by the Abingdon Joint Environmental Trust.

The trust, financed by the Vale of White Horse district council and the town council, helps preserve buildings and improve the environment. The cost of repairs to the memorial and remedial work needed to secure the structure would have to be met by the town council, but Mr Rich said other avenues of financial support that could be pursued.