A Westhoughton Councillor is appealing to Bolton Council to make sure a World War II memorial board is kept safe as plans are drawn up to transform the town hall.
Cllr Neil Maher said it is ‘extremely important’ that the board is kept safe to honour the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
He said: “At the town council meeting one of the 23 items for discussion was the safe keeping of the World War II memorial board which is in the Town Hall.
“With building works due to start shortly we have asked Bolton Council to make sure that the memorial is kept safe and placed in Westhoughton Library for safe keeping.
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“I served in the armed forces for 22 years and I am a Falklands War veteran, it’s extremely important that this memorial is safe and visible again to honour the sacrifice of those whose names are listed.
“The town council over 20 years ago commissioned the board, the research was done by a Mr Jim Wilkinson, deceased, from Horwich who had served in WWII and it’s a full of list of Westhoughton people who were killed in action in WWII.
“It’s important that these men’s names and their sacrifices are not forgotten.”
Westhoughton Town Hall is earmarked for a huge revamp to ensure the building survives for generations to come.
The details of the scheme are currently being discussed by the council, but include plans for a cafe.
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Cllr David Wilkinson said he would like the memorial to be placed in the library once renovations are complete.
He said: “I would like for the memorial to be in the library if possible after the renovations so people can clearly see it and see the history.”
Bolton Council confirmed that the board will be kept safe throughout the work, and that necessary measures to protect the memorial have already been factored into the renovation plan.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.
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