Memorial may move back to its former site

There is no guarantee Rugeley's war memorial will be back in place in time for Remembrance Sunday as it could now be returned to its original site, it was revealed today.

The memorial was removed from Brook Square in March when a 200-year-old underground culvert collapsed.

Local people and organisations consulted said they would prefer it relocated to its original site in Anson Street, while plans for a water feature in Brook Square would mean even less space in an area already overcrowded on Remembrance Sundays.

A report from Severn Trent Water blocked the proposal to re-site the cenotaph in Anson Street because it believed it would interfere with underground pipes. But the water company now says the scheme could go ahead.

Council leader Councillor Neil Stanley said while he would want the memorial in place for this year's remembrance service, it was more important to make sure the right decision was made for future years. But Councillor Tony Williams said it was essential the memorial was in place for Armistice Day.

Cannock Chase Council's cabinet is considering a temporary memorial of some type for this year's service.

A meeting will be held with interested parties on Thursday. Staffordshire County Council spokesman Richard Caddy said: "We will put the memorial where people want it."