WOODFORD GREEN: Guardian backs war memorial campaign (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WOODFORD GREEN: Guardian backs war memorial campaign

12:06pm Wednesday 25th November 2009

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THE GUARDIAN is backing a campaign to save a crumbling war memorial - after the council refused to help pay for the repairs it urgently needs.

The eye-catching First World War plinth which stands outside St Barnabas church in Woodford Green - is in danger of collapse unless cash can be found to restore its dilapidated wood and stonework.

Campaigners trying to save the monument - which displays the names of 57 local men who gave their lives for their country - have mounted a frantic search for funding but fear they will not find the £15,000 they need in time to save it.

Out of desperation Deputy Church Warden Alan Clark turned to Redbridge Council, which has discretionary powers under an act of Parliament to maintain, repair and protect any war memorial in its district, but was told the authority had no budget to make a contribution.

The father-of-two said: "There are the names of 57 people on that monument from across this parish which makes this a parish war memorial. It's basically a public monument.

"The council should do its bit to help protect the memory of these people, but instead has simply washed its hands of it."

Mr Clark applied for a grant from the War Memorials Trust after he discovered that the monument was designed by eminent Edwardian architect Sir Charles Nicholson, but fears it may fall down before a decision is made.

Second World War veteran Ernest Allum, 88, of St Barnabas Road, said the memorial - which contains the names of two sets of brothers and winners of the Military Cross, Military Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal – deserved better treatment.

The 88 year-old, who served with the Royal Navy in the Indian Ocean, said: “It is vital that memorials like this are protected. These men gave their lives for their country.

"They are a vital reminder of the sacrifice that so many made."

These views were backed by Church End Ward Councillor, Richard Hoskins, who served with the British Army in Aden in 1958.

He said: “It is vital that this memorial is preserved.

"I would encourage campaigners to apply to Area Two committee to use its discretionary funds for this."

If the money is found in time the church hopes to turn the monument into a 'living memorial' by adding the names of those from the area who gave their lives in subsequent conflicts, from the Second World War to Afghanistan.

The council has made a 'fact finding' visit to the site since the Guardian first published the story on our website, but Mr Clark said he is not convinced this will result in a future donation.

Redbridge Council has not commented on the issue.

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