Railings will help elderly at war memorial services (From The Bolton News)

Railings will help elderly at war memorial services

9:01am Thursday 28th February 2013 in News

HANDRAILS costing more than £1,500 will be installed at Westhoughton’s war memorial to help frail residents.

A brief designed by a Bolton Council maintenance officer was approved by members of Westhoughton Town Council.

Cllr Jack Speight, who represents Chequerbent Ward, suggested handrails were installed after a number of elderly people struggled to cope with the steps leading up to the war memorial in Ditchfield Gardens on Remembrance Sunday.

At Westhoughton Town Council’s meeting, Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Central Ward, said: “It’s important we get this right. It’s in a conservation area and it’s essentially the jewel in the crown.

“The scheme suggested doesn’t distract from the appearance and the ambiance of the cenotaph.” He added that over the past few years some residents were becoming frail and struggling with the steps.

“I think it’s important we support them while they pay their respects,” said Cllr Chadwick The handrails are expected to cost about £1,600 and would match railings in Ditchfield Gardens. They would be painted black and made from mild steel, galvanised with a powder-coated finish.

Cllr Kevan Jones, of Central Ward, said most of the wreath bearers go up the middle of the stairs, rather than at the edges, where the rails are expected to be placed.

Cllr David Wilkinson, of Hoskers and Hart Common Ward, said: “Unfortunately unobtrusive is not the description I would use. I think the design is hideous. The cenotaph is the focal point. Nothing should detract from it.

“I thought the handrails would be discrete. If we have those handrails at the end of the steps they will stand out.

“I just think the particular design is too much over the top.”