War Memorial Care Programme Underway Ahead of Remembrance Day

War Memorial Care Programme Underway Ahead of Remembrance Day

Across Lancashire, communities are coming together to prepare local war memorials ahead of Remembrance Day, ensuring these important sites are cared for with pride, respect and gratitude.

This year, Reform-led Lancashire County Council is backing these efforts as part of a wider commitment to civic pride, heritage and remembrance. The programme supports the volunteers, parish councils and community groups who work year-round to maintain memorials that honour those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Announced by Cabinet in September, the initiative recognises the importance of preserving these landmarks while supporting local communities with practical assistance. It reflects a shared responsibility to honour the fallen and protect the symbols of remembrance found in towns and villages across Lancashire.

The programme has been shaped by local knowledge and feedback, with the council’s Environmental Services Team reviewing 65 war memorial sites across the county. Support requests have already been received from a wide range of locations, including Coppull, Clayton-le-Woods, Whittle-le-Woods, Accrington, Oswaldtwistle, Great Harwood, Morecambe, Barrowford, Colne, Earby, Salterforth, Longridge, Burscough and Tarleton.

Works will include practical maintenance such as pruning overgrown vegetation, edging borders, topping up bark mulch and removing moss and algae from surrounding areas. No direct cleaning or work on the memorial structures themselves will be carried out.

Ahead of Remembrance Day, County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, joined local efforts at Accrington War Memorial in Oak Hill Park, Hyndburn.

Cllr Goldsworthy said:

^{“We extend our deepest thanks to the volunteers, town and parish councils, and community groups whose dedication keeps these memorials clean and tidy throughout the year. Their efforts are a clear example of civic pride in action, showing how local communities come together to honour the past and care for the future.}

^{“By using council resources to support this work, we are helping to ensure war memorials across Lancashire are in excellent condition ahead of Remembrance Day.”}

Reform-led Lancashire County Council remains committed to supporting remembrance, respecting our armed forces and veterans, and strengthening the shared civic identity that unites communities across the county.