Finchampstead War memorial move 'on track'
The controversial re-positioning of the memorial will be complete
The relocation of the Finchampstead War Memorial is ‘on track’ to be completed for the Remembrance Day Parade next month.
Finchampstead Parish Council has not yet had the handover from the contractors but councillor Graham Jukes said it is ” on track” to delivered on time and on budget.
The sword, some lime pointing and planting has yet to be completed.
The plan had been the subject of a long running battle between the parish council and the Save the Memorial Team (SMT) since plans to relocate the Grade II listed landmark were first set out.
It has been removed from its previous site, at the intersection of Jubilee Road and Rectory Hill, to a verge outside Memorial Park – losing its listed status in the process.
Public safety during the parade was one of the reasons cited for the relocation, with councillor Jukes claiming that the police wouldn’t close the roads during it so there was “no way” the council could support a procession under those circumstances.
The SMT disagrees with this due to it being conducted there “for years” and expressed “disapproval” of the chosen relocation site.
The Remembrance Day parade and service takes place in Memorial Park on Sunday, November 13, and will include the rededication of the War Memorial.