A WOBBLY weathervane could finally be stripped of its surrounding scaffolding after costly investigations revealed it does not need repairing after all.

An ugly lattice of metal tubes has topped Abingdon's County Hall Museum since July, when the rattling weathervane threatened to plummet to the ground.

Experts worried the quarter of a ton structure – a scalloped arrow with a cross on the top – could come crashing into Market Place.

Monica Lovatt, chairman of the museum committee at Abingdon Town Council, said: "We are concerned because of the appearance of the museum. It is one of the jewels in the crown of the town centre. I will be very relieved when the scaffolding is down."

English Heritage, a part taxpayer-funded body that carries out conservation work, racked up a £20,000 bill on the scaffolding.

Mrs Lovatt said: "I have been on their case for some time and keeping an eye on the situation. I want it down as soon as possible. They thought there was a bearing loose and were going to do an endoscopy."

In November, English Heritage closed roads to crane-lift new specialist scaffolding into place, which could be removed on Friday.

Isobel Cooley, spokeswoman for English Heritage, said: “The weathervane is a complex historic structure made up of a number of interconnecting parts and different materials. It is vital that each part is thoroughly inspected in order that we can be sure it is safe. On Friday we identified another area of possible concern with the metal bar at the centre of the structure, which requires specialist examination. This is due to take place on Wednesday."

But in a letter to Abingdon Town Council, which owns the County Hall Museum, English Heritage said: "The most suitable course of action is not to conduct any repairs."

It said works to the lead sheet and cladding surrounding the weathervane would be finished by February 5, resulting in "imminent removal of the scaffolding, dependent on the granting of an emergency road closure to crane lift the scaffolding".

Mrs Cooley added: “English Heritage takes its responsibility for maintaining the buildings in its care very seriously. Working with historic buildings often means dealing with complex access conditions and this combined with the specialist nature of repair work can take time.”

Mrs Lovatt was concerned the town’s 300-year-old bun throwing event – in which councillors shower fruit buns from the museum roof – would be tainted this year if the construction isn't removed.

She said: “We want to be able to have it nice for the celebrations for the Queen this year and for the bun throwing. I am quite prepared to rattle their cage in order to make progress.”

Neil McCollum, English Heritage’s historic properties director in the South East, said: “It is extremely important we thoroughly investigate the weathervane and carry out any repairs necessary. Given its size, weight, distance from the ground and proximity to a busy road, it would be extremely dangerous for it to fall.

"We do not undertake this expenditure lightly, but it has been essential in enabling us to make these vital investigations and carry out any necessary repairs.”

It is yet uncertain if road closures in Stert Street and High Street have been granted.