Giving residents a chance to make a public protest (From Warrington Guardian)

Giving residents a chance to make a public protest

PROTESTERS campaigning against the relocation of Crewe's War Memorial are staging a meeting to see what residents want.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council was issued with a petition carrying over 2,000 signatures from residents before its board made the final decision.

Despite the mass of opposition the board passed plans to move the memorial to the Municipal Square as part of the £3million town centre upgrade.

But campaigners led by former soldier Frank Jones, aged 69, are still prepared to fight the plans and have organised a meeting to outline their next move.

Mr Jones of Booth Street said: "We want to see if residents want to continue protesting against the decision.

"I feel very strongly that it should not be moved, but I don't want to plough a lonely furrow.

"If the majority feels we should oppose it then that is what we will do and feelings are running very high on this.

"We can stage peaceful marches and vigils, but I live in the real world and it's going to be very difficult - I just hope the council will listen to the people.

"The consultation held by the council was flawed and very expensive and only resulted in 360 signatures being raised, which is not democratic.

"I took two picnic tables to the centre of Crewe with my wife Dorothy and my grandson, and got 1,572 signatures against it being moved in just 4 hours 45 minutes.

"I feel the seven members of the board have let their own feelings take over and they have ignored what the people of Crewe are wanting."

l The meeting takes place at the Crosville Club in Chester Street on October 27 at 7pm.