A move to restore Chorley's motto to its original wording is to be made in March, the first time since it was changed 17 years ago.

Former mayor Councillor Eric Bell is preparing to launch a bid to restore the word 'Beware' to the town's emblem.

"It's likely a resolution will be moved so we can pursue it," said Coun Bell. The motto was controversially changed in 1989 to 'Be Aware' following a proposal by the then incoming chief executive Jeff Davies, supported by councillors. The reason for the change was that it was thought 'Beware' was threatening and negative.

Coun Bell added: "I have talked to an expert in heraldry and he told me that he has never heard of a crest being changed in this way.

"I'm sure the vast majority of people in Chorley want tradition to be restored to the motto which has been part of the town for generations.

"I have had significant feedback in recent weeks, all in favour of changing back to the true motto."

Chorley's new chief executive Donna Hall has vowed to look into the matter. Ms Hall said she would be taking into account "the strength of feeling of local people".

Chorley's crest and motto were originally granted by charter in 1882 and is thought to have been based on the coat of arms of the Chorley family.

Moves to restore the motto have gathered momentum since Mr Davies' retirement at Christmas, and the Citizen has received dozens of letters, emails and phone calls, all in support of restoring the move.

Ms Hall told the Citizen this week: "The motto is clearly very important to the people of Chorley and it is something I'll be looking at in the near future.

"But first of all I'll need to look at the reasons as to why it was changed in the first place and discuss this with members, as well as taking into account the strength of feeling of local people."

This week retired Chorley priest Canon Kevin Mullen challenged the interpretation of the original motto and suggested the change was based on a false premise.

He said: "The origin of the word beware is the Latin word caveo. Its meaning is defined as 'to take care and give security and to guard against'.

"To me that sends out a positive message and would sum up what a town would want to be about.

"Sometimes the meaning of words change over time and that is why it could be perceived as threatening."