Wotton war memorial to be renovated (From Gazette Series)

Wotton war memorial to be renovated

A TREASURED memorial in Wotton-under-Edge is to be completely renovated under an expensive project funded by the district authority.

The town's war memorial, in Old Town, is set to undergo a transformation in the new year, thanks to funding from Stroud District Council.

It was announced at Wotton Town Council's monthly meeting on Monday that after a short but successful public consultation period in November work on the memorial would soon begin.

The town council was also pleased that the district council had offered £2,500 to help pay for the project.

In November Wotton Town Council joined forces with Wotton British Legion, the town's civic society and Gloucestershire County Council's highways department to consider renovating the war memorial. The town landmark has for some time been considered in a state of deterioration.

The memorial, which lists 114 names of Wotton men who died during the First World War, was erected in 1920 and was funded by public subscription.

After the Second World War a bronze plate was added to the memorial with the names of the men who died during the 1939-1945 conflict.

When renovation of the war memorial in Wotton was first discussed it was suggested there could be a shortfall in funding. Residents were then faced with the prospect having to make up the difference.

At the town council meeting on Monday, this possibility was said to still be a possibility because the district council can only offer its funds a limited amount of time.

Mrs Warren told the town council on Monday that the £2,500 would have to be spent by the end of the financial year and such a time limit would prevent the money funding the entire project.

Mrs Warren said the council needed to prioritise parts of the project so it can at least get started.

She said: "This money has to be spent. I think we should put it towards tidying up the stone steps which have been highlighted as needing urgent repair."

Councillors unanimously agreed to do all they could to start work immediately.

Further improvements to the memorial including flush lighting, fitting conservation posts and reducing the size of the grass area will be completed at a later date.