War memorial moved as part of square revamp

A war memorial has been successfully moved in time for Remembrance Sunday events.

The monument in Carlisle city centre was relocated as part of Cumberland Council's regeneration of Market Square and Greenmarket.

The authority said it had been moved to a "prominent location" in the square following a consultation with the Royal British Legion.

The ground around the memorial had been temporarily smoothed to "ensure easy walking access" for those attending the remembrance service, it added.

Barriers near where work was being carried out were also adjusted before the service and the road was cleaned.

As part the commemorative activities taking place in the city, thousands of poppies crocheted by community groups have been on display.

The Civic Centre, Court Square, the Citadels in Carlisle, The Beacon in Whitehaven and Allerdale House in Workington are also being illuminated in red until 11 November.

The council said the memorial relocation marked the first phase of a larger redevelopment project which would transform the area into an "attractive, multifunctional space for both residents and visitors".

The redevelopment scheme has received £34m from the government's Future High Street Fund.

The authority previously said it wanted to make the area a "vibrant focal point that encourages community gatherings and increases footfall".

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