TOWN leaders are aiming to renovate Frodsham’s war memorial – and the landmark cenotaph on Overton Hill could also be floodlit as part of community celebrations next year to mark the 800th anniversary of the granting of its borough charter.

The sandstone obelisk, erected in 1921 on Overton Hill, is visible from miles around and has become one of Frodsham’s most notable features.

Work has been done over the years to try to keep it in good order but the Grade II Listed monument has deteriorated – and the town council faces costs of around £11,000 to have it cleaned and repointed and to renovate, re-gild and preserve slate panel inscriptions of the names of more than 100 local men who served and fell in the two world wars.

The council wants to complete the work as soon as possible and are about to submit an application to The Wolfson Foundation for a charitable grant they hope will cover half the cost.

“We’ve been talking about this for a long time and it has to be done,” said Town Councillor Dennis Taylor.

Councillor Rita Shearn said: “The war memorial is very important to residents and we must not neglect it. It has a special place in this community.”

Cllr Shearn chairs the council’s Amenities Committee who have also recommended installing solar-powered lighting to highlight the memorial.

The full town council meeting this week approved the idea in principle, but passed it back to the committee to consider details and costings which would be included in next year’s budget.