AMBITIOUS plans to create a new memorial to Ramsbottom's war dead are continuing to take shape despite the coronavirus pandemic.

For over eight years, the Ramsbottom War Memorial Group has been researching the names of all service personal from the district who have fallen in conflict since the beginning of the First World War.

The group has now completed the list and are moving on to the next stage of the project which will involve the renovation of the Memorial Gardens at St Paul's Church on Bridge Street.

A new memorial bearing the names is planned alongside wider improvements to the memorial garden, including new pathways, trees and shrubs.

Martin Wiggam, of the Ramsbottom War Memorial Project Group, said: ‘"Our group have been working on this project, raising funds and researching these names for several years. It’s important to all of us that the people of Ramsbottom who gave so much aren’t forgotten.

"By having this memorial, we will be recording, for posterity, the names of all who gave their lives for the country since the start of World War One right through to future conflicts.’’

In order to avoid the duplication of names which are already on Civic memorials in other towns, only those who were living in Ramsbottom Urban District at the time of their enlistment will be included on the new memorial. The names of those who are to be inscribed can be found at ramsbottomwarmemorialproject.co.uk

Martin said: "I would ask everyone to scrutinise these lists to ensure that all those who qualify are included. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have an observation or you wish to add a name that we have missed."

The group has received considerable support for the project from local businesses including the Peel Lions Club, Ramsbottom Rotary, Ramsbottom Royal British Legion, Ramsbottom Heritage Society, The Duchy of Lancaster, local Scout and Cadet groups, and many individual residents.

The team are now working with Bury Council and local Community Interest Company, Proffitts – Investing in Communities, to help turn their plans in to reality.

Martin Proffitt, from Proffitts – Investing in Communities, said: "After so much hard work from the group, it will be great to see the new memorial constructed and the garden space improved. So much local history can be lost as time moves on, but the team working on this were determined to preserve this important piece of heritage for generation to come.

"We hope that the new gardens will play a big part in future Remembrance Day occasions, but we’re confident that the space will be enjoyed by residents all year round who can come, rest, and take a moment to reflect.’’

The project will be delivered in two phases and it is expected work will be completed in full by August 2021.