War memorial for Bromsgrove a step closer (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

War memorial for Bromsgrove a step closer

3:10pm Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

THE campaign for a war memorial to remember those who gave their lives in the two World Wars and the conflicts since has taken a step forward after being given the green light by Bromsgrove councillors.

An application to build the all-embracing war memorial in Crown Close was considered by members of Bromsgrove District Council’s planning committee on Monday, (October 15).

The application was for a four-metre stone war memorial including a cross sitting upon a pedestal. Made of Portland stone, an inscription would be on the memorial with the words: “From the people of Bromsgrove to the Armed Forces, in honour of service in memory of sacrifice.”

It includes four lights, so the memorial can be lit up at night, and would be on the grassed area opposite the existing Burma Campaign Memorial.

At the meeting, the application was voted to be minded to approve, while the consultation period is ongoing.

If the application is not called back in by the committee, it will gain full approval at the end of this period.

The Advertiser first reported on calls for the memorial in 2009, following the tragic death of teenage Bromsgrove soldier Private Robert Laws earlier that year.

Currently the town has the unique Burma memorial, honouring those who lost their lives in that campaign, a plaque in St John’s church, and the Oddfellows memorial in High Street.

The Bromsgrove Armed Forces Memorial Fund (BAFMF) was set up to raise the £50,000 needed for the memorial to become a reality.

Through various fund-raising events, £25,000 was raised.

BAFMF secretary Ian Riley said the council could provide £20,000 - if this is agreed by councillors in November - and would leave fund-raisers needing to raise the remaining £5,000.

Mr Riley said: “Getting the green light is obviously good news.

“We are very pleased with the support from members of the public and town businesses.

“Crown Close is a beautiful part of Bromsgrove, ideally suited for people to remember those gave their lives.”

Mr Riley added that it was hoped the memorial could be finished and unveiled in time for Armed Forces Day, on June 29 next year.

Further fund-raising events are planned in the coming weeks. For more details, see bromsgrovememorialfund.co.uk.