HUNCOAT’S war dead could soon be remembered in a different location.

The Royal British Legion is in early discussions with the council about moving the war memorial from its current location, on top of a hill off Higher Gate.

Two potential locations in the town have been identified for the memorial, which honours 25 fallen soldiers from the First World War and six from the Second World War.

Chairman of the Huncoat Community Forum, Roy Chetham, said: “It’s just an idea. People have mentioned it over the years and about 15 years ago, a public consultation was carried out by the forum, and that came out against moving it.

“There has now been some mention by the Royal British Legion. That’s not to say they themselves want to move it, but that at least one of their members has suggested it.”

He continued: “Because it’s a member of the British Legion, it’s being taken quite seriously and investigations and consultations have been carried out between them and the council. Before anything is decided, there will be a public consultation.”

Both the Peace Garden, at the corner of Burnley Lane, and opposite the Christmas tree on the corner of Station Road and Lower Gate Road have been touted as potential sitings, with the latter thought to be the favourite.

Mr Chetham said: “At first I was very keen on the idea of moving it, for an attraction in the village. To see a war memorial on the corner would be very nice, and easier for people to access, but traditionally I would be against moving it from its present site because that’s where the people who originally subscribed to it decided to put it.

“It’s such a nice view from that site too. If it was moved, I would like something placed there to mark the spot.”

A Hyndburn Council spokesman declined to comment.