After writing to Horspath parish council in February proposing a permanent stone war memorial on the village green, I obtained prices to get an idea of how much my idea would cost. At the annual parish meeting I outlined what I was proposing and told those present it would cost under £5,000 and I would be prepared to pay for it – either as a gift to the village or an interest free loan. The parish council’s response was ‘we do not need your money we have plenty of our own’.

Oxford Mail:

Keith Brooks

If my money is not good enough for them I can always find other uses for it and after recent events my offer is now withdrawn.

The parish council said last week they are consulting on doing something in four years’ time, but consulting with who? Over the last week the clear message has been Horspath want a permanent stone war memorial now, not in four years’ time – and on the village green for everyone to see every day of the week. They don’t want it tucked away in some remote corner of the village where no one will see it.

I have done as much as I can. Now it is down to the residents to get their message across to the parish councillors either by attending council meetings or through the Oxford Mail letters page or both. As long as our councillors think they can do just what they want to do that’s all they will do.

Today’s letters

I will keep my homemade memorial from last week and if nothing is done it will be on the village green next November with or without the council’s blessing.

Keith Brooks

Gateley

Horspath

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