FOR years I have approached Atherton every day to see at the gateway of the town, and sitting in pride of place, the war memorial.

It was a scene of tranquillity, with the magnificent weeping willow adding to the ambiance. I could not conceive how it could be further improved until last autumn when temporary floodlighting was added. This was the icing on the cake.

It was a magnificent tribute not only to the fallen heroes but also to the thought and dedication that went into the design by former aldermen and councillors of days gone by. Why then has it been butchered? The trees at the back did need some thinning to improve the health of others around them, but that was no excuse to touch the weeping willow.

Yes the memorial is still there, still at the gateway of the town, but a shadow of its former self.

There was no need to create more room to accommodate people for a short duration on Remembrance Day. Atherton's memorial has more room available than larger towns and delays in traffic are expected throughout the country.

A few minutes in a year is not too much of an inconvenience to pay our respects to those who gave their lives. Replant a new willow and put the floodlights back and in a few years time it will recover and take pride of place once again.

Sickened

businessman

(name and address

supplied)