A view of the Cenotaph and the Flag Market

Restoration work on Preston’s Cenotaph started this week to ensure it’s ready for this year’s Remembrance Day.

North West restoration experts Maysand have been awarded the contract by Preston City Council.

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The landmark is being revamped as part of a £835,600 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

An inscription commemorating the 114 men from the city who have lost their lives in 47 conflicts around the world since 1945 will be one of the most poignant parts of the Cenotaph to be restored.

Colonel Bernard Stam, President of the Preston and District Veterans Council, said: “This project is very important and means a lot to local veterans and their families.

“The Cenotaph and War Memorial are a wonderful part of the city centre and a fitting tribute to all those from Preston that served and died for their country. Next year sees the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1 and it is important that people remember the horrors and also the sacrifices of war. We would like to thank all those concerned for their support in taking this project forward.”

An artists impression of how the rennovated Cenotaph will look

Maysand have previous restored Chester’s city walls, Sheffield’s catholic cathedral and St Bart’s Church in Wilmslow.

Bryn Lisle, Managing Director at Maysand, added: “We are delighted to be involved in a project that is so important to the people and the city of Preston.

“We are highly experienced in this type of work, having recently completed a similar restoration project to a war memorial in Ashton Gardens at Lytham St Anne’s, and we will look forward to being able to restore the Cenotaph in Preston to its rightful condition, making it a focal point of remembrance for generations to come.”

Alongside the Cenotaph revamp the council is one of a number of organisations working on a Preston Remembers project to commemorate 100 years since the First World War in 2014.

Councillor Peter Rankin, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “Preston’s War Memorial stands as a moving reminder of the great loss of life during conflicts. We are really proud to be one of the facilitators of this project that will not only see the memorial restored but also ensure the continued legacy of remembrance for future generations.”

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