A WAR memorial honouring members of a Bolton cricket club who died while serving in World War One is set to be restored.

The stone monument at Bradshaw Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club in Rigby Lane shows the names of 23 members of the cricket club who gave their lives for their country in the Great War.

It has remained on the site since 1922 after the land was gifted to the local community by Lt. Colonel H. M. Hardcastle on the proviso that it was dedicated to those who died in the war.

The monument — made up of a wide rectangular slab with a moulded cap set upon a plinth — has an inscription which commemorates the “great sacrifice” of the 23 members of Bradshaw Cricket Club who died for their country, adding: “This cricket ground is forever dedicated to their heroic memory.”

A list of all 23 names is also inscribed on the Grade II listed sandstone cenotaph.

The club has applied to Bolton Council for the necessary permission required for such a listed structure.

As William Lloyd, Chair of Bradshaw Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club explains: “Time has naturally weathered this stone and it was decided by the management committee that because it was the 100th celebration of the War, it should be shown off to its best and is therefore in need of a clean and any repairs which may be found in relation to its lime mortar or lettering rectified.”

An application has now been made to the War Memorial Trust’s Conservation Team for funding to assist with the matter — which is currently being considered.

Mr Loyd added: “No change is being made to the structure other than to remove the evidence of dirt, algae and weathering, to bring it back to its former state.

“Consultation has been made with professionals in relation to how it should be cleaned and once completed any subsequent remedial work required, this is being strictly overseen by the War Memorial Trust who have advocated it be done by hand without chemicals and if required any lime mortar be replaced with like for like material.”