War memorial protestors go to Downing Street (From Warrington Guardian)

War memorial protestors go to Downing Street

VETERAN servicemen who staged a Poppy Day protest on Remembrance Sundayhanded a petition in to Downing Street last week.

The Memorial Action Team has vowed to continue its fight against uprooting the memorial to the town's war dead following the controversial snub to the council.

Six ex-servicemen stepped out of the march past the council HQ, while others refused to salute Mayor Steven Roberts during the service.

Leading the protests Frank Jones, 70, said: "We were anxious not to disrupt the Remembrance Day service, but we wanted to show our disgust at the council's decision.

"I am delighted to hear that the decision to move the memorial will need planning permission as it means the fight is not over.

"I want to urge people now to redouble their efforts.

"We will be in the town centre again on Saturday with a big box to collect people's letters of protest."

The council wants to move the memorial to the Municipal Square to make room for the redevelopment of the town centre.

Council leader Peter Kent condemned the actions of the protesters.

He said: "I never felt that this action was appropriate and I'm sorry that they felt their protest was more important than paying their respects to those who died."