A WAR memorial to fallen Long Itchington soldiers is set to be built in the village.
The group War Memorial Long Itchington was formed three years ago by volunteers determined to provide a lasting tribute to 49 men who died while serving in the First and Second World Wars.
In that time it has raised £35,000 through fund-raising events and donations, including a £1,000 donation from local developer Bloor Homes.
And now Stratford District Council has approved an application which will see the memorial installed on the village green and inscribed with the names of those who died while serving in the wars.
A wooden screen located inside Holy Trinity Church already carries the names of 43 of the men, but since launching its appeal, the group has learned of a further six people who were killed during the conflicts.
Group chairman David Berry said: “Many villages have a permanent memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country and we believe that Long Itchington should have one too.
“Although there is a wooden screen in the church which carries the names of those from the village who died during the two world wars, we wanted to provide a memorial which is visible to the whole community.
“With no grants available for new war memorials, we have had to rely on the support of people in the village and the generosity of local businesses.
“The response from the local community has been absolutely fantastic and we hope to have the new war memorial in place in time for Remembrance Day 2018, which will mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.”
