Commemorating World War One

6 October 2014

A memorial cross and surrounding gardens in the grounds of County Hall have been renovated as part of the commemoration of the centenary of World War One.

A formal re-dedication of the war memorial has been carried out by the vicar of Preston, Father Timothy Lipscomb.

He was joined by the Chairman of Lancashire County Council, Kevin Ellard, as well as the council leader Jennifer Mein and the council's Champion for Armed Forces Veterans, Darren Clifford.

The memorial recognises the sacrifices made by Lancastrians during the first and second world wars.

Councillor Ellard said: "Throughout 2014 we have been reflecting on the sacrifice made by men and women in Lancashire during World War One.

"We're pleased that we've been able to improve the area around the war memorial, working with Conlon Construction to create an area to remember Lancastrians who served in the war."

Councillor Mein said: "I wanted us to improve the gardens and paving close to the war memorial, and with Conlon's contribution we've created an attractive and accessible area where people can take photographs of their special day, following their ceremony in the register office on Bow Lane. We're really pleased with how this area now looks."

The improvements have included the addition of pathways and new paving to make the area more accessible.

The design for the memorial cross and grounds improvements was created by the county council's in-house landscape architects, working with Conlon Construction who carried out the work.

A local landscaping company, R&D Caunce, donated materials for the garden area.

The Chairman of Preston-based Conlon Construction, Michael Conlon, who also attended the re-dedication service, made a donation towards the garden improvement scheme, which has allowed the council to introduce plants in a landscaped area and improve the materials used to create the accessible pathways.

The RoadPeace memorial, which remembers people who have lost their lives in road accidents, has been relocated towards the Bow Lane reception entrance, to create a quiet tree-shaded area for reflection.

This is the final stage in the renovation of the county council's Christ Church Precinct offices. This multi-million pound project included new electrical, heating and ventilation systems – replacing the ageing 40 year-old infrastructure. The work will help the council to accommodate more staff in the building, reducing running costs and bringing in money from the sale of buildings that are no longer needed.

The changes are part of a wider project by the county council to make more efficient use of its buildings and introduce new ways for the council to deliver its services.

Note to editors:
The attached photograph shows Kevin Ellard, Chairman of the county council, next to the war memorial.

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]

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