THE LOCATION of Bracknell’s war memorial is “no longer appropriate or respectful”, according to one councillor.
Labour councillor Mary Temperton asked if the memorial could be moved at a meeting on Wednesday (January 15) after claiming generator fumes and food grease poured out by vans at Bracknell market were ‘abusing’ the structure.
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She added: “I believe that the present location of the memorial is no longer appropriate or respectful.
“The memorial is made insignificant being hidden by market traders and will soon be near a demolition site.
“There are better locations which have the necessary space for remembrance services and parades.”
Bracknell market runs outside Princess Square on Braccan Walk on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
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The memorial is a grade 2 listed monument and has been at same space since 1950 having been erected in 1924 between Binfield Road and Wokingham Road.
Council leader Paul Bettison replied to Cllr Temperton’s question with a response from Conservative councillor Marc Brunel-Walker, which outlined the need for consent from Historic England in order to move the protected structure.
Cllr Bettison said this would be “unlikely” unless there is “very serious justification” to do so, but that the statue’s condition is being assessed so officers can work out how to limit any damage to the monument.
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He added: “The war memorial is of local and national importance.
“It’s critically important we protect this structure from any harm… from general wear and tear from being open to the elements
“In terms of relocating the structure, not only would require consent from Historic England, but in reality, where it presently sits works very well given the prominence of this area and the space available for remembrance services.”
In response, Cllr Temperton called for the arrangements of stalls at the market to be changed so the memorial is “no longer abused by food grease and generator fumes”, and that it is “thoroughly cleaned” before commemorations later this year.
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