Calls for 'tired' Derby war memorial to be cleaned up

The condition of the memorial has attracted criticism on social media

Calls have been made for a war memorial in Derby city centre to be cleaned up.

City councillor Jonathan Smale said work was needed to improve the state of the 100-year-old Grade II Listed monument in Market Place.

Mr Smale urged Derby City Council to take action after concerns were raised on social media, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The council said the job would be a specialist task and it was exploring options for the work.

Mr Smale said he contacted the council after a post appeared on the "Derby Past and Present" Facebook group.

He added concerns had been raised about recent bad weather leading to the monument looking "tired" and "green" in parts.

'Important asset'

The Conservative councillor said both the war memorial, and the Florence Nightingale statue on London Road, needed attention.

He said. "They both would need steam cleaning. It isn't as simple as jet washing due to the stone and potential erosion.

"They do need periodic attention, not every year but every couple of years. Given the recent wet weather, they are both looking very tired and green.

"I know they are both important to a lot of people in the city."

A council spokesperson said: "The war memorial is now almost 100 years old. It is an important asset in our city which recognises the dedication and sacrifice of the people of Derby fighting on behalf of their country.

"Cleaning the monument is a specialist task that has to be done sensitively so as not to cause damage. We are consulting with our conservation officers to explore the best options to preserve the memorial while delivering best value for money."