COUNCILLORS have called for a historical monument which sits in the heart of a village to be "preserved and protected in its setting". 

The Oakenshaw Cross on Wyke Lane, Oakenshaw, was hit last year and was awaiting repairs when it was smashed by another HGV in February.

The latest incident caused yet more damage to the historically significant structure, leaving it looking very worse for wear. 

The main structure appears to be tilting, while the plinth it sits on is heavily damaged. 

Concrete blocks have now been placed around it, in the hope of protecting it from further damage. 

John Nelson, 81, who lives nearby said it has been suggested it will have to be taken away to be repaired, but fears it may not be seen there again if that happens. 

He said he thought the village was split 50/50 on it. 

"A lot of them think it's just a bit of a nuisance.

"In the last two years, it's been hit three times to my knowledge."

Mr Nelson said he wants to see it brought back into good condition, but acknowledged that times have changed. 

What was once likely a quiet track is now a well-used route that connects the villages of Wyke and Oakenshaw.

"When they put it there, it was probably horse and carts," Mr Nelson said.

Councillor John Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said: "The Cleckheaton councillors have been working very hard to make sure that Kirklees repairs the historic cross as quickly as possible.

"We’ve seen that in its current state that it is vulnerable to further strikes and that gives us concern for the future.

"The listed cross must be preserved and protected in its setting for the future.

"We will explore all possible measures so that the important landmark is protected from damage."

Councillor Naheed Mather, Kirklees Council's cabinet member for environment, added: “The Highways Team have recently introduced a concrete block around the monument, which allows the road to be reopened whilst protecting it from further vehicle strikes.

"The team are now currently considering the best way forward to repair the structure.”

The monument has a long history in Oakenshaw and was built as a memorial to the first wife of physician, botanist and antiquarian Richard Richardson, Sarah, who died in 1702, according to Bradford Museums & Galleries. 

Richard was part of the Richardson family, which built Bierley Hall in 1561.

An entry for the Oakenshaw monument on Historic England’s describes it as an “important village centre site”.