Anger over potential removal of memorial display

The potential removal of a war memorial display in a town hall has caused an "extraordinary" backlash, a councillor has said.

A plaque, commemorative bell and shield paying tribute to the 93 men who died when the destroyer HMS Vimiera sank in 1942, has been on display in the foyer at Sandbach Town Hall in Cheshire since 2023.

But the town council is due to decide whether it should be moved to make way for the honours board – the historical record of every serving town mayor - the location of which is still to be decided, Sandbach Town Council said.

"To even contemplate moving a war memorial is just extraordinary to me," Councillor Nicola Cook, who represents Elworth, said.

"There were 93 people who were killed on that ship and that pain is still being experienced by the families. The memory of these men needs to be remembered."

HMS Vimiera became the adopted ship of Sandbach in 1941 after the town raised more than £163,000 as part of a Royal Navy fundraising initiative.

On 9 January 1942, the vessel struck a mine in the Thames Estuary near Sheerness and sank. Of its 127 crew members, 93 died and 34 were rescued.

The memorial in the town hall foyer was unveiled 81 years later by a relative of one of the men who went down with the ship.

According to an agenda for the town council meeting due to take place later, the location of the memorial is one of three being considered for the updated mayoral honours board.

The document said if the foyer location was chosen, it would "require the displacement of the Vimiera commemorative installation".

After posting her concerns on social media, Cook, who sits as an independent councillor, said the reaction from residents had been "extraordinary".

"This is the only war memorial that represents this tragedy," she added. "If it's moved to a place less prominent, we're really saying that loss of life is no longer important.

"That's the whole point of remembrance – remembrance is about ensuring people's service and sacrifice is never forgotten."

She said it was right that town mayors' service was recognised, but the honours board should be displayed elsewhere in the building.

The town council confirmed it intended to update and install the roll of honour in the town hall, but the location has yet to be decided.

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