![Esher ward councillors with retired colonel John Handford (centre)](/sites/www.esherwalton.com/files/styles/gallery_large/public/p1030352.jpg?itok=7qOLaddt)
Esher Conservatives have recruited a decorated local army veteran to help with a plan to move the war memorial to the centre of Esher Green.
Ward councillors hope that by shifting the monument from its current spot at the roadside, it will improve the ‘safety and dignity’ of remembrance services, as crowds would no longer have to stand in the road at risk from traffic.
John Handford OBE, a retired colonel from Esher, is managing the project and hopes to move the memorial by 2014, in time for the 100th anniversary of the Great War.
Mr Handford is formerly of the Parachute Regiment and served in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.
He said: “Having attended remembrance services at the memorial it is clear that it is in a cramped and ungainly position. It should be moved to the centre of the Green where it would sit in a more dignified setting away from the noise of the road and the clutter of signs and lampposts. This would bring it to life throughout the year, making it more of a prominent feature and enable us to enjoy a more poignant Remembrance Sunday.”
He added: “I am driving this forward on behalf of our community who I know respect our Armed Forces and particularly those that have fallen over the years.”
The memorial will remain in the line of sight from Church Street and will not be enhanced or embellished.
Esher councillor David Archer has obtained a quote for £14,000 for the work and said the money will come from fundraising rather than the public purse.
“The new location will bring more dignity to our annual service and make it safer,” he said.
Esher Conservatives will keep you posted of developments.