The future of a Dearne war memorial is in doubt.

 

The Friends of Bolton War Memorial, a rare monument modelled in the style of an inglenook fireplace, want to save it amid fears it will be destroyed when plans are drawn up for the former Lacewood School playground where it is sited.

 

Crunch talks are yet to be set up between the charity commission, which the group is hoping to get funding from, and the council.

 

Secretary for the group, Sue Hodges, said: "It's such a big part of our community, it's not just a war memorial.

 

"We have basically been told that because it is not being used for educational purposes that it's disposable."

 

She said a service was held at the memorial, in recognition of former pupils who died in the Great War, on Remembrance Sunday.

 

"We are getting another petition up and the service we had proved again how emotional a place it is.

 

"We have people come from far away to pay tribute to their relatives on there."