A PLAN to move the Normandy stone in Ellesmere Port has been welcomed by the veterans’ association that commissioned it.
The stone, which bears a plaque paying tribute to the veterans who gave their lives in the Battle of Normandy in 1944, currently resides next to the civic offices on Stanney Lane.
The road is currently subject to six months of work, due to be complete in August, to widen the road to form three lanes, which would put the stone too near the road for people to gather around it.
The Normandy Veterans Association support the plan to change it, which will also see the base improved to become black granite, lighting installed to illuminate the monument at night, and more seating positioned close to the stone.
Yvonne Innes, from the Normandy Veterans Association, attended a meeting last month when plans for the move were discussed.
She said: “They’re thinking of moving it further round the corner so it would be more prominent.
“From what they’ve said, it will enhance it and make it more prominent.
“It keeps the sacrifices people made in people’s memory. If it enhances it, so much the better.”
The seven-tonne monument was set in the ground 20 years ago this month with an unveiling ceremony on May 10 1992. Services have been held there every year on June 6 to commemorate D Day.
The opening parade was attended by patron of the Normandy Veterans Wirral and Chester branch, the duke of Westminster and a reception was held in the Civic Hall for dignitaries.
