Westbury to be quizzed on war memorial plans

A SURVEY will be launched this month to ask people if they would like to see a war memorial back in the Market Place.

The monument marking those killed in the two world wars used to stand in the market square and was a popular gathering place for memorials and Remembrance events. It was removed in 1975 to make way for more car parking.

The idea of reinstating a similar memorial first came up when plans were mooted for the recent Market Place improvements. Asked about the possibility of a civic feature in the historic square many people said they would have liked a war memorial there.

Now the town council has agreed to launch a consultation to gauge public opinion. The survey will be in local shops, businesses and venues like the library and the town council offices. People will also be able to respond online.

“We are at the very earliest stages on what could be a lengthy but important project for the town,” said councillor Mike Cuthbert Murray who has been leading the call for the return of a war memorial to its original site.

“Before we go any further with exploring external funding, we need to know exactly what the people of Westbury want.

“Many people, old and young, have told me they would like to see a memorial back there. It is part of the town’s heritage and is especially relevant as we approach the centenary of the First World War.”

A working group of the town council has now come up with the survey which will be launched on Monday 15 April and will run for three weeks.

The current war memorial in Edward Street – the venue for the town’s very well attended annual Remembrance service, would not be affected by any new monument, explained Mike.

For more information about the survey please contact Westbury Town Council on 01373 822 232 or visit the website www.westbury towncouncil.gov.uk

Pictured: the war memorial outside the town hall, which was taken down in 1975.