The contentious dismantling of Finchampstead War Memorial has now been completed ahead of being relocated, despite fierce objections by a local community group.  

The moving of the stone cross has been the subject of a battle between Finchampstead Parish Council and the Save the Memorial Team (SMT) since the plans for the Grade II listed landmark were first set out. 

Reasons cited for the moving of the monument include its “dangerous” location and for reasons of public safety during the annual Remembrance Day parade.   

The SMT claims the £60,000 cost to complete the relocation is “unacceptable” and expressed “disapproval” of the chosen relocation site.   

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It has now been removed from its previous location at the intersection of Jubilee Road and Rectory Hill, with the Parish Council saying it will now be “fully cleaned and repaired” before being re-erected adjacent to Memorial Park. 

The main contractor will now be setting up the compound at the new location, after which the work to prepare the site for the memorial will begin. 

The council expects the work and re-erection to be completed in the Autumn.