A DECISION on the future of Crewe war memorial has been postponed after key talks ended in stalemate.
Councillors due to rule on controversial planning applications for the proposed move from Market Square to the Municipal Square, cited the elections and the need to conduct site visits for the delay.
It will now be June before they vote on submitting a listed building consent application to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to allow them to press ahead with relocating the Grade II-listed monument.
Some progress was made when alterations to Municipal Square were approved by a single vote, but only after all reference to the war memorial had been replaced with 'a central feature' in the plans.
A packed public gallery at the Municipal Buildings on Wednesday watched for nearly two hours as the debate, dogged by procedural wrangles, failed to yield any result.
Their frustrations were echoed in the chamber by senior members of the borough's development committee, who expressed their anger at the planning decision being taken from them.
Planning chairman Cllr Chris Thorley called the proceedings 'a farce', while Nantwich Independent Cllr Bill McGinnis labelled the delays 'an admission of failure'.
Members of the public present at the meeting accused some councillors of dismissing their personal concerns by lumping all objections together under the Memorial Action Team (MAT) banner.
Christine Cooper, of Bradeley Road, Haslington, said: 'I whole-heartedly support what the MAT stand for but I am not a member.
'I went to the meeting of my own volition, just to see if I had missed anything, because I honestly cannot believe it has come to this.
'I know many others who feel strongly about the memorial moving who aren't part of the MAT, and I want it known that our objections are not part of any campaign.'
MAT spokesman Frank Jones said the delay added fuel to the growing protest, claiming the council's plans had become 'a shambles'.
Before they vote on listing consent, councillors will be invited to an information session to get expert briefing from planning officers on the possible impact of the move.
VE Day commemoration
CREWE and District members of the Northern Pensioners Association paid tribute to war heroes during a special meeting to mark VE Day.
They shared their memories of the war after hearing about the commemoration planned for Crewe town square on Saturday.
Peter Shields, from Crewe Fire Service, gave a talk on its involvement in the event which will feature vintage fire engines, war time stories, songs and displays.
Bernard Potter, treasurer of the North Western Occupational Pensioners Alliance, gave an account of some of his lifetime experiences, including being a child evacuee during the Second World War.
The operation of the new Flexibus service was explained and the secretary noted that an increasing number of Crewe and Nantwich businesses are now offering discounts to association members.
Next meeting will be at 2pm on Tuesday, May 31, in the Crosville Club in Chester Street, Crewe. New members welcome.
