Former Mayor calls for permanent memorial of fallen borough soldiers’ names

Former Mayor Ian Duckworth pictured during his deputy year (right) with his wife, Christine and Councillor Ashley Dearnley (left)

Former Mayor Ian Duckworth has called for a permanent memorial bearing the names of all the borough’s fallen soldiers, to ensure they are never forgotten.

A book of remembrance bearing the names of those who served in World War Two is situated in the reception of the town hall, and the inscription on the Grade-I listed cenotaph was updated to include the words ‘all wars’ at Mr Duckworth’s request.

Mr Duckworth, who retired from the armed forces in 1988, said: “Cenotaphs don’t have people’s names on, and I do not want them to be forgotten.

“I would like to see their names memorialised forever, perhaps with a constantly scrolling screen collating their names, regiment and when they fell. It could be a great local history project for schools, researching the soldiers.

“The screen, combining modern technology with the old, could complement the book, which only bears the names of those who fought in World War Two, yet 1968 was the only year a service man or woman has not been killed in action.”

The idea has been warmly welcomed by Conservative leader, Councillor Ashley Dearnley.

He said: “This is a great idea and I support the notion of an update similar to that of the Cenotaph, which was Ian’s suggestion.

“I will bring the idea to the next party leaders’ meeting.”