Winsford war memorials removed ahead of restoration

The Cenotaph and the Boer War soldier are being given a new lease of life as they prepare to move to their new home.

Work on their relocation began last Monday (February 19), with large parts of the two monuments having now been removed.

Under the supervision of Kier Construction, an experienced restoration specialist and a stonemason will clean, restore and reassemble the memorials.

Some elements, such as the bronze plaques, will be sent away for specialist cleaning and restoration and other sections will be rebuilt using new stone to replace damaged sections.

They will then become a focal point of the new public square being created as part of the town’s £22 million regeneration.

Work on the memorials' removals began on February 19 (Image: Philip Carden)

This new square will offer increased space for visitors and will see the memorials installed at surface level, making them more accessible.

The benches that are currently next to the war memorials will also be relocated to the new square.

This is expected to be completed later this year, with plans for a rededication service in the summer.

Alongside the square, the regeneration will result in a new 168-space car park and improvements to walking and cycling access.

Meanwhile, one of the new units will soon be handed over to Costa Coffee with work expected to start on the B&M superstore’s steel structure in late spring/early summer.

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Nathan Pardoe said: “I am delighted that work has now started to refurbish and relocate the war memorials and relocate the benches as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s regeneration works.

“They will be part of the new town centre public square, which will be a better environment for people to pay their respects and be a fitting tribute to all those who served.

“The new public square will be a space Winsford can be proud of, particularly during the well-attended Remembrance Sunday service.”

The memorials will be refurbished before being moved to their new home (Image: Philip Carden)

Sarah Morton, regional director for Kier Construction North & Scotland, added: “We know how important and significant these war memorials are to the local community in Winsford.

“We are really pleased to be able to start works on their refurbishment and relocation to help improve access and create a better space for people to pay their respects to those who gave service and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”