An “at risk” World War Two fortification has been restored, using traditional methods to preserve local history.

Repair work on one of Watford’s three pillboxes, near High Elms Manor in Garston, is nearing completion.

The Garston Pillbox was built in 1940 and had been left “at risk of being lost forever”, according to Watford Borough Council.

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The council and a chartered architect, Kevin O'Callaghan, undertook the project to repair and preserve it.

Watford Observer: The Garston Pill BoxThe Garston Pill Box (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Councillor Tim Williams said: “The Garston Pillbox, is an important historic structure, and it’s great it has been restored to its original condition, so it can be shared and enjoyed by the public.

Watford Observer: The Garston Pill BoxThe Garston Pill Box (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“As with a lot of things it had fallen into disrepair over the years, with much of the brick work removed, metalwork falling off and invasive weeds causing it to break apart.

“Fortunately, the foundations and lower courses were still there and the project focused on putting it back to the way it was in 1940.”

The concrete roofing and the top section required a complete overhaul in order to preserve the pillbox.

Watford Observer: The Garston Pill BoxThe Garston Pill Box (Image: Watford Borough Council)

The council added that care was taken to ensure the pillbox's historical integrity was maintained throughout the project, using traditional materials and techniques where possible.