Fallen heroes to be fondly remembered (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fallen heroes to be fondly remembered

THE names of Painswick's fallen heroes are set to be recorded by civic leaders as wind and time erode them from the town's war memorial.

Townsfolk who died in the two world wars have been remembered on the stone memorial near St Mary's Church for decades.

But the roll of honour on the monument's four panels is becoming increasingly unreadable as erosion takes its toll.

And now Painswick Parish Council, who are charged with maintaining the memorial, have decided not to risk aggressively cleaning it for fear of causing damage.

Instead they intend to record the weathered names to ensure they will not be forgotten - and investigate ways to restore them to their rightful place without risking the monument.

Council chairman Terry Parker told the SNJ: "The memorial itself seemed to be in a stable condition and there was a fear that cleaning could damage the actual surface.

"The names engraved on it will be recorded before further erosion occurs.

"We will then make a decision in due course as to how the names can be restored, perhaps with a plaque or something else."

The council are set to repair cracks and gaps on the war memorial to stop it being damaged by frost and replace the paving stones at its base, in a maintenance scheme costing £1,000.

And they are planning to apply for a £500 grant from the Friends of War Memorials charity to help finance the work, which councillors hope can begin in October.

Cllr Parker added: "We are hoping it will be done in time for Remembrance Day on the 11th of November."