LEAFLETS calling on people to have their say on plans to move Huncoat’s war memorial have been delivered to homes across the village by a group vehemently opposed to the proposal.

The Friends of Huncoat War Memorial and Recreation Group was launched after the council said it wanted to move the cenotaph from the top of a hill near Higher Gate to the corner of Lower Gate Road and Station Road.

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Supporters say a move is needed to provide safer and better access for visitors, while opponents say it could lead to an increase in vandalism.

Former councillor Nick Whittaker, a leading member of the group, said: “We decided to invest our own money in printing 2,500 leaflets.

“Then we had a meeting and we had a very good response where a lot of people turned up. We got all the leaflets out.”

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An open session was held at the council offices in Accrington for people to learn about the project on Tuesday.

Nick said: “We know there’s at least 50 to 60 letters that have gone in, and that we are aware of, objecting to the move.”

Plans to move the cenotaph were given the nod by council bosses in December, the proposals have yet to go before the council’s planning committee.

Head of parks and leisure, Cllr Ken Moss said: “This is the third consultation that’ has been held. It has been publicised by the chair of Huncoat Forum, and has been all over the internet and in the local papers for months.

“We have just had a similar consultation in Rishton and we got 60 letters.

“We had 20 letters in Huncoat in a month. This is not as big as the campaign is making out.”

The proposal was tabled at a Royal British Legion meeting last March, with a preference shown to keep the memorial where it is and a footpath installed. But, the council said the hill is too steep for a pavement, and would increase costs.