War memorials throughout West Lancashire will be refurbished in time for the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, the Conservative-led Borough Council has announced.
Making the announcement, Cllr Adrian Owens, Conservative Portfolio Holder for Corporate Property, said: “With the approach of the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, we felt the time was right to ensure that the Borough’s memorials looked their best for 2014. After all, they contain the names of so many of our young men who died in that war. This refurbishment will be a timely tribute to them and all those men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice since, including now in Afghanistan.”
£17,000 has been set aside for the refurbishment programme. Cllr Owens explained that the Borough council had direct responsibility for seven war memorials across the Borough, but that the funding was also intended to help churches, parish councils and voluntary organisations bring their own war memorials into tip-top condition.
Cllr Owens concluded: “Public support for our armed forces is rightly very strong, especially with our troops in harm's way in Afghanistan. Attendance at Remembrance ceremonies seems to grow every year and it’s right that the condition of our war memorials reflect the high regard the community has for those who keep us safe and secure.”