Move to replace Oswestry war memorial plaques

Name plaques on Oswestry's war memorial will have to be completely replaced in the near future.

Some of the names of the soldiers who died in the two world wars are now impossible to read because of erosion and staining.

Despite restoration and repairs by Oswestry Town Council, the plaques honouring the fallen heroes are deteriorating rapidly.

The sandstone plaques are attached to the pillars of the gates at the entrance to the town's Cae Glas Park making it one of the more unusual war memorials in the county.

This year the town council has put £5,000 into its budget towards repairs.

But town clerk, David Preston, said much more would have to be spent to replace the plaques. He said 15 years ago the council carried out a major restoration of the gates and the plaques.

"Experts who were responsible for the restoration of York minister were brought in to deal with the problems," he said.

"We will be looking at what grants there are available for restoring war memorials."