Walsall war memorials to be revamped after metal thefts

All of the war memorials in Walsall will be revamped and repaired, it was announced today. Work will include the replacement of metal plaques with materials worthless to thieves in a bid to stop them from being stolen.

Moxley War Memorial will be the first to benefit as it undergoes a facelift costing around £45,000. Council leader Mike Bird said a budget - the total of which is yet to be finalised - had been set aside for work to revamp all of the borough's war monuments.

"We can't put a specific time frame on this programme as all the memorials are different and some may require specialist stonemasonry work," he said. "But our intention is to repair and restore all of the borough's war memorials."

Councillor Bird added the ongoing issue of metal theft will also be addressed.

Thieves have repeatedly struck at Barr Beacon War Memorial and also stripped metal plaques from Willenhall.

Councillor Bird added: "We share the community's horror at the spate of metal thefts that have sadly seen our memorials targeted and will be looking at replacing the metal plaques with materials that are worthless to thieves, deterring future attacks.

"Work will start at the Moxley War Memorial first as it is most in need of attention."

Details of the work, including materials and exact cost, are still being finalised.

Moxley War Memorial stands at the junction of Moxley Road and Holyhead Road and bears the name of 96 servicemen who lost their lives in the First World War.

Phil Henderson did his national service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps between 1957 and 1959 and was based in Corsham, Wiltshire.

The 74-year-old, of Moxley, said: "I think this is an excellent idea. It's something to celebrate.

"For the lads that fought, it shows they haven't been forgotten. It's a great boost for all ex-servicemen."

The work has also been welcomed by Darlaston South ward councillors Chris and Paul Bott.

Chris Bott said: "The war memorial is in such a state, it's a total disgrace to the 96 people who died.

"We've lobbied for this for quite a number of years but we are really pleased this is now being done, especially because in 2014 it will be 100 years since the First World War."