A DEMAND is being made for a new site for a popular children's bouncy castle amid claims it is inappropriate to use it next to Crewe's war memorial.

Borough councillor Gwyn Griffiths says people have told him they are unhappy that the multi-coloured inflatable is placed next to the memorial in Crewe Square every Saturday.

It is owned by a businessman, who has council permission to use the site.

But Cllr Griffiths insisted the unhappy few were not killjoys out to cheat children of their fun.

He said: 'A number of people have been in touch with me expressing concern that it's not appropriate to have a huge, brightly-coloured bouncy castle right next to the memorial.

'Nobody wants to stop the youngsters having fun or deprive the operator from making a living, but it's clear that some people are quite upset at the impact it has on the memorial.

'I think it may have something to do with the recent suggestions from the council about moving the war memorial to a more reverential setting.'

Cllr Griffiths has now written to the portfolio holder for the local economy, Cllr Steve Hogben.

The letter also asks for drainage problems at the war memorial to be tackled and for it to be regularly inspected by the council's direct services department to ensure it is kept clean and free of graffiti.

Cllr Griffiths added: 'War memorials should be treated with the utmost respect. Sadly, this isn't always the case.

'It's important the council does all it can to ensure the war memorial is treated with all possible respect.

'We should at least look at the option because of the obvious upset it is causing.' Cllr Hogben confirmed he had received the letter and was weighing up the options.

He said: 'It's a perfectly reasonable and understandable observation and one we will have a closer look at.

'Crewe Square isn't really a memorial garden as such, but should still be treated with respect and as a solemn feature.

'But the bouncy castle has been a permanent fixture for a few years and is obviously still popular.'