Plans for war memorial take fresh step forward
A STATUE for the fallen of the First World War in Dennistoun could be erected this September – if plans are approved by Glasgow City Council.
Milnbank Housing Association have officially applied for permission to erect the war memorial at an entrance of Alexandra Park near Alexandra Parade in the East End area.
Their official application comes after Dennistoun taxi driver Jim Watson started a fundraising campaign for a memorial in the area to be erected for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Jim, a former Territorial Army solider, was inspired to fundraise after seeing a war memorial outside HMP Barlinnie for wardens killed in the First World War trenches.
He managed to raise £10,000 for the memorial through an online fundraising campaign.
A design statement submitted with the plans said: “There are a number of war memorials pepperpotted throughout the city of Glasgow as well as the United Kingdom, commemorating the sacrifice made by many men and women, not only in the United Kingdom, but the entire Commonwealth.
“These wars, and in particular the First and Second World Wars caused extreme suffering for many families and communities, through suffering loss and disability of loved ones.
“This war memorial is particularly dedicated to the people of Dennistoun.”
The statement continued: “Over the past few years Mr Watson has concentrated considerable time in promoting the war memorial which has in turn helped developed the project with Milnbank Housing Association (MHA), local elected members and of course the community at large.
“He has been instrumental in procuring the funding from many sources, both locally and nationally.”
The design for the war memorial involved the community of Dennistoun with primary and secondary schools in the area submitting their sketches for consideration.
If the plans are approved, work is expected to begin in July with the memorial complete by September.
Jim previously told The Evening Times that there would be a grand unveiling for the war memorial with a notable figure at the launch event.