A community group has taken a campaign into their own hands in protest at the council’s handling of a consultation into the future of Huncoat War Memorial.

The Friends of Huncoat War Memorial group has sent out 2,500 leaflets to inform residents about an ongoing council consultation concerning the proposed memorial move from 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’s cabinet in December.

More than 50 residents attended an open session at the council offices in Accrington on Tuesday, March 17 to air their views on the proposal. Hyndburn council is also inviting residents to send in correspondence on the proposal until March 27.

Julie Leishman, Friends of Huncoat War Memorial secretary, said: “The residents we saw at the session seemed to oppose the move, as we do.

“The council have not said how they will consider the consultation, we don’t know how many people need to say they don’t want it moved for them to pay attention. I think they have already made the decision.”

Coun Ken Moss, portfolio leisure and arts, refuted claims there had been a lack of publicity. He added: “As it stands, the move is still the most financially viable option to the council and I dispute claims that it will lead to vandalism or antisocial behaviour. No other war memorial that I know of attracts such problems.”