PLEASE leave the war memorials alone.

Every year we have this, yet another campaign to move the 1914- 1920 war memorial back to the High Street just because it was there 60 years ago.

The simple fact is that local politicians have consistently over the last 60 years made a decision, and that decision is to leave the war memorial where it is now, a decision that they were elected and entitled to make.

I can understand some not liking the decision but then to use labels last week such as “disrespectful and downright criminal” as done by Paul D’Arcy is I think somewhat excessive.

There was also no need for Russell Tarrant the week before, to suggest that local politicians should be given white feathers for cowardice over the issue just because he disagrees with them.

The campaigners consistently claim to speak on behalf of the people, but I think the people spoke last year, and re-elected the very politicians that Paul D’Arcy and friends have spent the last few weeks railing against.

If the people felt that strongly about this issue they would surely have voted the politicians out, wouldn’t they?

Maybe instead of writing another lot of letters to the paper, maybe these campaigners should have stood in the elections last year on a move the war memorial ticket to test the issue, but you didn’t did you?

I support the letters from Irene Williams and Gary Adams last week. The 1914-1920 memorial should stay where it is alongside the World War II memorial in a peaceful place with grass, flowers and trees in the Garden of Remembrance.

We must never forget those that gave the ultimate sacrifice during those two terrible wars. All Andoverians can go to the memorials at any time, pay their respects and reflect in peace, and they can do this away from crowds of people eating burgers and carrying trays of coffee.

Please leave all of the memorials alone.

Paul Goddard, St Ann’s Close, Andover

 

HERE we go again, the war memorial great debate.

It’s fine where it is, moving it to the High Street would shatter the peace one can enjoy looking at the names and remembering.

Let’s not waste energy and money trying to move it from its current home.

A Paterson, Andover