AN HISTORIC obelisk which was used by travellers to chart their journeys from London to Ongar for hundreds of years - could be set for a much-needed renovation.

The Highstone mile marker, which is is located at the junction of Hollybush Hill and New Wanstead, has displayed the distance between Hyde Park Corner and various settlements in and around Epping Forest since it was first erected in the 1800s.

The landmark, whose base is thought to be Roman in origin, has suffered extensive erosion over the years, leaving its once vital mileage inscriptions difficult to decipher.

But the Highstone could eventually be brought back to its full glory, after Snaresbrook ward councillor Chris Cummins requested a report to be compiled on the possibility of restoring it.

He said: "It's a very visible piece of this area's history, so it would be good to get it restored.

"We will have to see what officers say when they complete their report."

The Highstone was mentioned in many reports of robberies carried out by 'footpads' and highwaymen during the 18th century.

One of the most famous incidents was the theft of the Norwich Mail in April 1757 involving a man called Matthew Snatt, who was eventually hanged for the crime.

The stone was also the location of the creation of Leyton Municipal Borough in 1926.