Memorial move sounds like a ‘done deal’
11:41am Wednesday 7th May 2008
IN the Bury Times (March 20) your very regular feature on the Fusilier Museum project was devoted to promoting the removal of the memorial on Bolton Road, and opposing those of us campaigning to preserve it in its historic setting.
I would like to respond to Rosemary Allen, the professional project manager and the director of Headline Design Associates, who is paid to promote the relocation of the museum.
I feel she is going beyond that aim in stating that the Lutyens-designed memorial will be re-sited in Sparrow Park'. As a resident said to me in March, it sounds like a done deal' - so much for consultation with the public.
As far as I am aware, there is, as yet, no agreement to re-site the memorial and this is, as Rosemary Allen concedes, a very emotive issue'.
She is right to say there has been some opposition to the move. Many people wish it to remain in its beautiful garden in the prominent position on the main Bolton Road, where it is seen daily by thousands of people who pass along this arterial route. Hundreds of ex-soldiers have their ashes resting in the sacred ground surrounding the memorial which is maintained by Bury Council. It is accepted that, just as the gardens are maintained by the local authority, it may be necessary for the memorial itself to also be cared for by the council. I believe Bury Council owes Church Ward this much, but if not there may be a case for a voluntary body to assume responsibility, a Friends type group, as exists in many similar situations.
A Section 106 Agreement with any future developer of the site, either with new build or the existing fabric, could include a commuted sum towards ornate fencing and ongoing maintenance of this prestigious monument ,which could be a fine centrepiece for any new use of the Barracks site.
If every isolated memorial has to be moved to the town centre for safe keeping, what does this say about the suburbs? Can any other memorial be safely left in isolation? I have observed the results of vandalism in Sparrow Park in recent times, and I think the museum staff will have to stay on guard on Friday and Saturday nights in what is the toughest part of the borough at those times.
It would seem that Rosemary Allen is taking a decision for granted and presuming too much. Her response to local people's concerns is to ignore them and to plan ahead as if there is no democratic decision necessary. The some people' in opposition to whom she refers now number more than 1,000 and growing. Even the Bury Times poll showed 83 per cent wanted the memorial to remain in situ.
The memorial is a part of our urban landscape, a listed building to which people are attached, and there is no valid reason for its removal. The museum will flourish with or without the memorial, whereas the historic heritage of this ward will be damaged forever as the last vestige of the old Barracks is taken away. Those planning detailed activities, including excavating the soil and holding a service, in response to our campaign are surely acting prematurely, as there are statutory processes with formal consultation periods to be undertaken.
The battle for our heritage is not yet lost, and we must fight on because the certain way for such plans to succeed is if ordinary people do nothing. Anyone needing petition sheets to oppose the removal of the LF Memorial please telephone me on 0161 764 8809.
COUN Roy E Walker