NEW public consultations on the controversial plan to move Crewe's war memorial are being demanded by Conservative members of Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

They will forward a motion at the full council meeting next Wednesday, asking for a response slip to be included in the council's News and Views newsletter.

It follows the defeat at December's meeting of another Conservative motion calling for a referendum on the issue.

The Tory group, led by Cllr Brian Silvester, has criticised the council board's decision to proceed with the plans despite what they claim was a flawed public consultation process.

The board is planning to move the memorial from Market Square to the square in front of the Municipal Buildings as part of a multimillion- pound revamp of the town centre.

There has been fierce opposition from veterans and other groups who want the memorial to stay where it is.

Cllr Silvester said: 'The decision taken by the board to move the war memorial is the most controversial and contentious they have taken.

'We want the full argument for and against the relocation to be printed along with a cut-out coupon for people to express their views and return them to us.

'The newsletter goes to every home in the borough so it will provide a cost-effective way of finally letting the public have their say.'

The group's proposal will tie in with a motion from Liberal Democratic member, Councillor Gwyn Griffiths, calling for a full council debate on the move, to be tabled at the same meeting.

Cllr Silvester added: 'Our motion will come first, and if accepted we will recommend the council wait for the results of the survey before pressing ahead with a debate.

'Hopefully, this will lead to a fully informed discussion taking proper account of public opinion which will end in a conclusive vote.'