WORK has started on the first phase of repairs and improvements to Oswaldtwistle’s war memorial.

The work, costing £30,000, will include re-paving, landscaping and the installation of a protective knee rail around the memorial.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “It’s great news that this work has now started. The memorial means a lot to Oswaldtwistle people and we look forward to paying our respects to all of the town’s fallen when their names are added later in the year. We are grateful to the Royal British Legion who have worked so hard on this project.

“We will work with them to arrange a rededication ceremony later in the year, which will hopefully coincide with the 92nd anniversary of the Battle of the Somme when the area suffered such devastating losses.”

The memorial was built by public subscription and unveiled in January 1922. It is a polished granite pedestal standing on three steps and embellished with bronze groups. Plans are in place for a stone next to the memorial listing all those from the town who have lost their lives in battle.