Fitting tribute to the fallen

Oldham War Memorial

OLDHAM War Memorial will be refurbished ahead of next year’s 100th anniversary of the start of  the First World War.

Oldham Council’s cabinet approved the plan after hearing machinery installed to turn the pages of the book of remembrance was broken.

Instead, a member of staff is sent to turn pages every day.

The Grade II-listed Oldham war memorial, which overlooks Church Terrace, is a structure of special architectural or historic interest.

The £118,549 refurbishment plan could qualify the monument for an upgrade to Grade II* (star) status.

The scheme is part of a project to return the borough’s 16 war memorial sites to their former glory.

Councillor Jim McMahon said that while the memorial appeared to be in a good state, a lot of work will be needed to bring it back to top condition.