A new cenotaph has been approved to commemorate the fallen of three villages on the outskirts of Bolton. The 12ft high memorial structure has permission to be built in the grounds of St Saviour church, Fold Road, Stoneclough.
Applicant David De Souza said the cenotaph would commemorate the sacrifices of service people from Stoneclough, Ringley and Prestolee. He said Bolton council's planning approval represented 'a historic moment' for the area after a four-year campaign to reach this stage.
Design and Materials
The structure's designs state it will be made from sandstone, which would be sympathetic to the churchyard and conservation area. Its sculptural elements would include two 5 ft 8 in soldiers, standing with reversed arms. It will have an 8x8 foot paved base with no steps required to approach it.
A heritage report in support of the plans said: "The monument reinforces remembrance traditions and enhances community understanding of local sacrifice.
"It does not detract from existing assets and uses historically authentic proportions and materials.
"This cenotaph represents a positive heritage contribution and satisfies planning considerations for design, scale, materials, and public benefit."
Campaign and Community Support
Speaking after the plans were passed, Mr De Souza said: "There have been obstacles, disappointments and occasions when it seemed we were taking one step forward and two steps back. But we never gave up, because we knew how important this was to our three villages.
"From the very beginning, our aim was simple, to create a permanent place of remembrance where our communities can come together to honour the men and women who served our country, particularly those who left our villages to fight and never returned.
"Our research identified 155 local fallen, including 47 who were not represented on the existing memorials. They deserve to be remembered, and their names deserve to live on.
"This was never about replacing history. It was about preserving it and ensuring nobody is forgotten."
Mr De Souza, along with others, has organised and supported other striking remembrance events in the villages. These included a display of thousands of poppies cascading from Ringley Bridge, a remembrance arch, and candlelight services.
Mr De Souza added: "There are so many people who have helped us reach this stage, from those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to those who have offered their professional expertise, supported our events, made donations or simply encouraged us to keep going.
"We now move towards the next stage of making this cenotaph a reality, and we will continue to keep our community informed as the project progresses."
