The roller-coaster row over Huncoat War Memorial took another turn this week, as council bosses agreed to hold a further consultation over its relocation.
In a heated debate councillor Ken Moss, cabinet member, agreed to hold a ‘third consultation’ with residents over the proposal to move the memorial from its current location at the top of a hill off Higher Gate to the corner of Lower Gate Road.
Community campaigners and council bosses have been at odds since the move was approved by Hyndburn cabinet in December.
Campaigners have criticised the level of consultation over the plans, whilst Hyndburn council have said that the relocation plan has been given the full backing by the Royal British Legion.
At a meeting of Hyndburn council said “The council is working to secure the future for the memorial, the whole point of this is to give better access and the new design means it can be a real feature for Huncoat.
“I am happy for a third consultation and it will be held with the whole ward in the next four to six weeks.”
Ward councillor Dave Parkins shared Coun Moss’ anger, he said: “I have been involved in this from day one, with the legion.
“There have been rumours flying around about housing being put up there and a playground being put there, that is stupid.”
Conservative group leader Peter Britcliffe said that the move should be decided by residents in the ward.
Former Huncoat councillor Nick Whittaker, who has been campaigning on the issue, said: “We have got a partial win with this consultation, the council must now publicise this.”
