INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Scaffolding is going to remain up months longer than first thought to complete repairs to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis.

The scaffolding was put up around lower levels of the monument last week, with plans to have leaks in the limestone fixed within a few weeks.

Indiana War Memorial Commission director Stewart Goodwin tells WISH-TV (http://bit.ly/1AxyIWA ) that more extensive damage has been found, especially to bolts holding bronze figures in place.

Goodwin says crews will still be able to put up the thousands of lights on the monument for the city's annual Christmas season festivities, although at least some scaffolding will remain in place.

Goodwin says the new goal is to have monument repairs finished before next May's Indy 500 activities start.