The controversial possibility of moving the war memorial has been met with protests from residents who’s family members have names upon the memorial.

Relatives of Totnes men on the war memorial believe it should stay where it is and where it has been since 1921. Many of the men named on the memorial have no known grave and relatives have often considered this memorial to stand for their last resting place.

Totnes Town Council has signed up to the partnership which is looking at a major £3 million project to repair St Mary’s Church and re-shape the historic area of the town stretching from the High Street to the Guidhall. This included the proposal for a new look ‘Place to Remember’ which involves the moving of the war memorial.

Town clerk, Catherine Marlton said the council is considered to be the owner of the war memorial.

The town council, the Totnes Trust and the Parochial Church Council are all partners in this Partnership and after their second public consultation was cancelled due to the snow, a new event has been rescheduled.

The first two days of the consultation at St Mary’s Church, held last month, was well attended. Many people came in to look at the exhibition and complete the opinion survey about the Partnership’s proposals for restoring and reordering the church.

The second two consultation days scheduled for March 2 and 3 at the Mansion on Fore Street were cancelled after the Beast from the East hit Totnes.

This caused a lot of frustration for the volunteers who put so much effort into the exhibition and the few hardy residents who braved the weather to come to the Mansion to see it. The Partnership would like to apologise to them for their wasted time and effort.

However, the Partnership remains determined to ensure many townsfolk are able to voice their opinions; thus new consultation dates are set for March 23 and 24, from 10am to 3.30pm at St Mary’s.

The mayor of Totnes, Rosie Adams said: “The town council is one of three members of the Partnership, and I want to say that if you are interested in the future of Totnes, please do come and give your views.

“The St Mary’s Heritage for Life Plan is potentially the biggest improvement strategy for the central part of Totnes for generations.

“It’s important we shape the work to suit local people in response to what they are for or against.”

Val Price, a resident of Totnes explained the positioning of the war memorial was meant to be “permanent” when it was dedicated in 1921 under the safe keeping of the Rector and churchwardens. Then in 1947 when it was rededicated, it was accepted into the care of the vicar and the church wardens.

“Surely the £8000 plus to move our war memorial could be better spent to help support the church” added Val.

Last month, Louis Victory from the Totnes Trust said the “controversial” part of the Heritage Area Project for St Mary’s Church does support some “very good reasons”.

“It is quite wrong that some opponents are claiming that the move is simply a ‘matter of convenience’” added Louis.

“The motives are to provide more space for ceremonial gatherings, and to increase the public visibility and status of the memorial.

“The views of ‘Memorial Relatives’ have been respectfully sought out, and will weigh heavy in the balance.”

Town councillors have encouraged residents to write to them to make their opinions clear over the positioning of the monument which has stood in front St Mary’s Church for the last 97 years.

At a council meeting held on Monday, April 9, the town councillors will decide the future position of the war memorial. The town clerk has confirmed that all letters received will be circulated to all councillors to help them reach a decision.