I NOTE various excellent contributions to the Memorial Cenotaph question raised by Mr Hawke and Mr Somers-Cocks.

The history of the original move has now been well explained and as one might have feared it centred around petty council ineptitude as usual.

The real question about the history is how these second rate people get to be elected by default and fail time and again to reflect the proper democratic wishes of the people.

I suppose we shouldn’t be so surprised, after all this is the same pathetic council that spent thousands of pounds on some ridiculous concrete balls, all the way from China, to adorn the High Street.

One contributor last week (Mr Wood) was very defeatist as to whether we could prevail and secure action on this vital matter of pride for Andover.

I say we simply must and if the current crop of councillors – or those standing in May – are not prepared to act, then let’s throw them out and their expenses bandwagon.

Another route to action may be the media – South Today and Meridian TV would show up this council’s failure, I am sure, together with the MP’s reference to the Local Government Ombudsman – Only the MP can do this, I think.

As made very clear it isn’t lack of funds or volunteers or military support (who would be on it like a shot).

It’s as usual the dead hand of useless bureaucracy that’s holding back the move of the Cenotaph memorial back to its rightful place in the centre of town.

Let’s not give up this time so quickly. We must honour the fallen and I have no doubt this generation will see it through.

Although my father is remembered on a stone at Hanbury in Worcestershire, I think of our Cenotaph as his representation every year.

Please, please, Andover Advertiser get behind this proper fight.

Mrs Frances Crook, Longparish.