Status boost for war memorials

CROMPTON war memorial

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

TWO war memorials in Oldham have had their historic significance boosted following recent refurbishment work.

Historic England now consider the Oldham Town Centre and Crompton war memorials as "particularly important structures of more than special interest" and have upgraded them from Grade II to Grade II* listed.

Oldham's town centre war memorial, originally sculpted by Albert Toft and unveiled in 1923 was refurbished in 2013 by the council and the Oldham Liaison of Ex Service Associations after a financial contribution of £30,000 was secured from the War Memorials Trust.

The landmark sits close to several other listed buildings in the town centre, including Oldham Parish Church of Saint Mary with Saint Peter, which is Grade II* listed, and the Grade II listed old Town Hall.

Crompton War Memorial, in the Memorial Gardens in High Street, was sculpted by Captain Richard Reginald Goulden and was unveiled in April 1923.

It has recently undergone extensive refurbishment work.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: "We are delighted these two important and historic war memorials have received further recognition from Historic England.

"Our war memorials are extremely important to residents as a reminder of all those people from the borough who sacrificed their lives for this country.

"I'd like to congratulate the council staff and volunteers who continue to maintain and look after our memorials - they deserve huge credit."

Over the last few years the council has carried out £50,000 worth of works to make our 16 war memorials safer and more accessible to the public.

The borough now has 13 Grade II* structures/facilities.

Only 5.5 per cent of listed buildings are given the status of Grade II*.