War memorials across West Lancashire have been spruced up in time for this year’s Remembrance Sunday services on November 10 after works by West Lancashire Borough Council.
Over the last few weeks the Council has carried out works on memorials it is responsible for in Coronation Park, Ormskirk, Victoria Park, Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Burscough, Newburgh, Lathom and Appley Bridge.
The project has involved repairing any damaged stone, re-pointing the memorials, cleaning the stonework. Letters and inscriptions have also been repainted and repaired.
At Skelmersdale new seating and a standing area have also been created. Extensive bulb planting was also carried out by Midstream (West Lancs) Ltd in 2012 as part of this project. The works will be completed with a beautiful poppy mosaic being put in place at the new seating area in time for Remembrance Sunday.
Looking ahead to 2014, the Council wants to work with other organisations responsible for memorials to ensure the monuments are in the best possible condition for the year that will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One.
Councillor Adrian Owens, portfolio holder for Estates, said: “I am very pleased with the work that has been carried out by the Council on its war memorials across the borough.
“2014 will be a very important occasion as it will be 100 years since the start of World War One. We want to work with the owners of other war memorials such as Parish Councils and churches and help them make sure all the memorials are in the best possible condition at that time.”
Councillor Martin Forshaw, portfolio holder for Planning and Development, added: “Organisations that have responsibility for looking after war memorials may be eligible for a grant to carry out necessary works on the memorials. I would encourage groups to contact the Council and see if we can help them ensure their memorial looks its best for the poignant events of next year.”
If any owners of war memorials want to discuss undertaking works and the possibility of receiving a grant please contact Ian Bond, Heritage and Environment Manager, on 01695 585167