War memorials dismantled due to Storm Ciarán damage

The memorials can currently be found near the Royal Naval Memorial in Southsea

Two war memorials will be temporarily removed following damage caused by the recent Storm Ciarán.

The Southsea Coastal Scheme will dismantle the Trident and Aboukir memorials from Clarence Parade from November 20.

It was already planned for them to be dismantled during coastal defence works in 2024, but the removal has been accelerated due to foundation damage and concerns for future structural safety after the storm.

Project director for the Southsea Coastal Scheme, Guy Mason, said the memorials "will be treated with dignity and respect".

Both memorials were erected in honour of officers who died from yellow fever during service.

The Trident memorial honours those who died in Sierra Leone in 1859, and the Aboukir memorial is dedicated to those who died on board H.M.S. Aboukir in Jamaica from 1873-74.

They will be securely stored and refurbished before being reinstated once the coastal defence work is complete and the section of seafront is reopened in 2026.

Leader of the council Steve Pitt said: "Removing the memorials now is a preventative measure to ensure that no further damage is sustained to them."