WAR veterans fighting to stop the cenotaph being relocated have received support from all over the county.

This has made members of the Ellesmere Port branch of the Cheshire Regiment Association even more determined to dig in their heels over the issue.

They say the memorial presently has pride of place in the town's civic square and doesn't deserve to be 'hidden' in a corner.

Speaking at the branch's annual meeting at the Royal British Legion Club on Stanney Lane, Gordon Jones said members were carrying on the wishes of former group chairman Ernie Innes.

Mr Jones explained: 'We were opposed to moving the cenotaph right from the start and Ernie said he definitely didn't want it moving. But he sadly died.

'Now we are continuing his, and the entire group's, opposition to the scheme and we are really digging our heels.'

Bill Kearney said: 'The borough council should have realised the extent of public feeling about moving the cenotaph.

'It was insensitive of them to suggest it.'

John Molloy said: 'The cenotaph should not be moved.

'It has got pride of place in the centre of the town and should not be shoved into a corner.'

Fellow ex-private Alf Stead-man added: 'The council seem to have no respect. They just want to bulldoze the plan through.'

Brian Sharples said: 'I don't see why they have to move it. It's a bit disrespectfully. We are all against moving it into the corner.

'I have had people from all over Cheshire complaining to me about the scheme.

'This is our heritage and it shouldn't be moved.'

Harry Goodenough said: 'Moving the cenotaph is wrong and there will be very little room to manoeuvre around it if it goes into the corner.'

John Davies said: 'It's all wrong for it to be moved. You will not be able to get everyone around the cenotaph in the new place.'

Derek Blundell said: 'It's one of the best features in Ellesmere Port. Everyone knows where it is.'

And associate member David Wright added: 'It's a disgrace wanting to move it.'