ARMED forces and conservation charities have reacted cautiously to news that Winsford’s war memorials could be moved to a new location.

Plans to relocate the two monuments at Fountain Court – the Cenotaph and the Boer War Memorial – have been submitted as part of a wider scheme to regenerate the town centre.

If approved, they would be dismantled and relocated nearby to a new dedicated ‘civic square’ which would hold future events such as Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

But the War Memorials Trust, a charity dedicated to the preservation of the country’s military monuments, said it plans to make representations to the council during the planning process.

Frances Moreton, director at the Trust, said: “The charity does not generally support the relocation of war memorials unless they are at risk.

“This is because damage can occur during relocation, people are attached to existing sites and sometimes the site itself maybe of historical significance, for example - some war memorials are placed where the signing-up table stood to recruit young men to go to war.

“It is important for any relocation proposals to carefully consider the history of the war memorials and recognise their historic and social significance which can be connected to their location.

“In addition, as most war memorials were paid for by the local community extensive, public consultation is vital.”

She said the Trust would be ‘delighted’ to engage with Cheshire West and Chester Council to discuss the proposals.

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion, added: “War memorials and graves honour the memory of every member of the armed forces who has made the ultimate sacrifice and should be treated with the utmost respect.”