A Disgraceful Relocation: The Avon Tyres War Memorial Controversy
In a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by local workers during the World Wars, the Avon Tyres Company war memorial in Melksham, Wiltshire, has become the center of a heated controversy. Residents and veterans alike are expressing their outrage over what they describe as a "disgraceful" and "undignified" attempt to relocate the memorial, which has been left in a state of neglect since the closure of the factory it commemorates.
The Historical Significance of the Memorial
The Avon Tyres Company memorial, a copper "book" mounted on a stone plinth, honors the memory of 102 employees who lost their lives in the two World Wars. For decades, it stood proudly outside the factory of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company, the successor to Avon Tyres. The memorial served not only as a tribute to the fallen but also as a symbol of the community’s connection to its industrial heritage.
The Closure and the Relocation Attempt
When Cooper Tire and Rubber Company closed its Melksham factory in December 2022, the future of the memorial became uncertain. In January, during an economic development and planning committee meeting, Melksham Town Council agreed to transfer the memorial to storage while deliberating on its new location. However, when contractors attempted to move the monument, they encountered unexpected difficulties due to its substantial base, leading to a botched relocation.
A Memorial Left in Disarray
Months have passed since the failed relocation, and the memorial now sits in a state of disarray, jutting out of the grass and surrounded by orange plastic fencing. This neglect has not gone unnoticed. Mike Jackson, a veteran who served in the Army’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment, voiced his frustration, stating, "It’s disgraceful. This is a monument to the workers who gave their lives during the wars, and it’s just been dumped onto the grass with no due care or attention."
As Remembrance Sunday approaches, Jackson’s concerns resonate with many in the community. He expressed a feeling that the council’s actions are merely a box-ticking exercise, stating, "It almost makes you feel like they’re just ticking boxes when they celebrate the day—because the rest of the year they don’t seem to care."
Plans for Relocation
In response to the outcry, a spokesperson for Melksham Town Council acknowledged the situation, explaining that the memorial’s substantial base had complicated its removal. The council has indicated plans to relocate the memorial to the Queen Mary Garden, ensuring it remains visible to former employees and the public. However, this decision has not quelled the frustration of residents like Jackson, who would prefer to see the memorial moved to Avon Protection, the company that owned Avon Tyres before its sale to Cooper.
Community Response and Future Actions
The community’s response to the situation has been overwhelmingly negative, with many residents and veterans calling for immediate action to restore the dignity of the memorial. The sentiment is clear: the memorial is not just a piece of stone and metal; it represents the lives and sacrifices of local workers who served their country.
As discussions continue about the memorial’s future, the council faces mounting pressure to act swiftly and respectfully. The upcoming Remembrance Sunday serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring those who have served, and the community is eager to see the memorial restored to its rightful place of respect and reverence.
Conclusion
The Avon Tyres Company war memorial controversy highlights the delicate balance between preserving history and ensuring that memorials are treated with the dignity they deserve. As the community rallies to advocate for the memorial’s proper relocation, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the importance of honoring their memory with the respect it warrants. The hope is that the council will take swift action to rectify this situation, ensuring that the memorial stands proudly once again, a fitting tribute to the 102 men who gave their lives for their country.