A construction firm has apologised after installing a portable ‘mess room’ several metres from a Stockport war memorial. George Cox and Sons, contracted by Stockport council for works related to the new station in Cheadle, placed the unit opposite the war memorial, with work expected to last around four weeks.
Community concerns over memorial placement
The unit’s proximity to the memorial, separated only by an access road, drew criticism from community groups, particularly with Remembrance Sunday in November approaching. The Friends group for the memorial described the placement as ‘a disgrace’.
The company said the position had been approved by the council but agreed to remove it after concerns were raised. It has now been replaced with a mobile van.
Welfare van replaces unit
The welfare van includes toilet and canteen facilities for staff, as required by law. The location was chosen because it is off the main highway, allows vehicles and pedestrians to pass safely and is close to the work area.
Following pressure from councillors David Meller and Mike Newman, a council officer said works were due to finish by November 6 and the welfare unit would be removed from site. Officers promised the area would be left tidy and safe throughout the works.
Apology from firm and council response
Andrew Frazer, chair of Cheadle Civic Society, said: “It’s a very sad sign of the times that whoever agreed to this location thinks their convenience is more important than a village’s monument to its war dead.” He noted a community fundraising appeal had paid for the memorial to be professionally cleaned ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
A spokesperson for George Cox said: “We apologise that our welfare unit positioning has caused some criticism. The position has been approved by the council; however, we are taking this seriously and therefore we have decided to remove it from the site.” The firm said it aimed to remove the unit that night or before the next nightshift, using mobile welfare vans instead.
A Stockport Council spokesperson said: “We appreciate the concerns raised and have reviewed whether there are any alternative locations nearby where the unit could be placed. While we have been unable to identify another suitable fixed location, we have agreed with the contractor that a mobile welfare van will now be used and removed at the end of each night’s working period.” The van will not be present during Remembrance services, and the area around the cenotaph will be maintained and cleaned following the works.
