Netherton and South Crosland’s forgotten war memorial

Nov 2 2010 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THEY WERE supposed to be remembered for paying the ultimate price of war.

Now, overgrown weeds and cracked paving are all that remain of a memorial dedicated to Netherton and South Crosland’s war dead.

The names of more than 70 soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the First and Second World Wars are hidden under the thick moss covering the Church Lane monument.

But the gates to the derelict park area have been chained and padlocked by Kirklees Council for years, preventing people from paying their respects.

A council sign saying: “No Entry – uneven footpaths. Remedial works will be carried out shortly,” was put up around two years ago, according to local people.

Now, resident Richard Chappell – whose family has lived in Netherton for four generations – is calling on the council to take action.

Richard, 46, of Roslyn Avenue, said: “It is just disrespectful. These men gave up their lives.

“It is a case of out of sight, out of mind.

“They probably weren’t the sort of people who wanted a lot. They just did it and unfortunately they didn’t come back.