THE big noise over the moving of Crewe war memorial has travelled all the way across the Atlantic.

Ex-patAdrian Peever,amusicianborn and bred in Crewe who used to live in Hungerford Road, was so shocked to hear about the memorial's proposed relocation to Municipal Square he decided to pen a protest song about it.

Now based in Miami, Florida, the guitar-playing singer-songwriter teamed up with Cheshire-born instrumentalist Henk Milne to dedicate a song to borough council leaders.

Calling themselves Rebel Crewe, and borrowing musicians from Celtic rock-ers The Volunteers, Brother Judas is a tongue-in-cheek tale of the saga so far, set to the tune of It's A Long Way To Tipperary.

The song makes mention of various Memorial Action Team protests, including the Remembrance Day snub of the mayor, and names some of those listed on the memorial along with snatches taken from old First World War marching songs.

It has received a number of airings on American radio, and the band is currently trying to get publicity in the UK.

Memorial Action Team spokesman Frank Jones said: 'Adrian learnt about the cause through coverage on various websites, and approached me to ask whether or not I approved of the song.

'I welcome any independent objection to the borough council's plans, and I think it shows the strength of feeling when someone who has now moved to America goes out of their way to protest.

'I wouldn't like to comment on the lyrical content myself, but I will say that the sentiments are not dissimilar to those expressed by the thousands who have signed our petitions.'

Council leader Peter Kent, who is named in the song, said: 'I can take the stick myself, but the song has caused some offence. I just think it is sad that some people are prepared to trivialise such a serious issue.

'I have heard the song and visited the website, and to be honest both are riddled with inaccuracies.'

Plans for the proposed move to Municipal Square are currently on public display at the Municipal Buildings on Earle Street, Crewe.

Commentscan besubmittedinwriting to the borough planning department by Friday, April 8.

The song Brother Judas is available to download at www.rebelcrewe.com