Local people, including Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones, are working to restore a much-loved war memorial in Whittleford and are appealing for information to help them in their task.

The memorial, which stands in the garden of local resident Lorraine Mosley, has been without its plaque for over 40 years. The plaque commemorated 61 brave miners from Nuneaton Colliery who died serving in the armed forces in the First World War. The group of volunteers have full details of the names of those on the memorial, but are trying to track down evidence of the original plaque, thought to have been stolen, to ascertain the material from which it was made and the exact design.

The group currently have an old newspaper photo giving only an indistinct image of the original plaque, which was reported as being in disrepair in 1935.

If the exact details of the material and design of the original plaque cannot be found, the group are intending to commission a new plaque using the sketchy details available. Due to the potential for theft of a metal plaque, the group might consider a replacement in stone to match the obelisk, which proudly stands in Whittleford Road.

The group are urging anyone with photographs of the plaque to contact them. It is hoped that the information can help in the restoration of this mark of respect for the fallen to coincide with the centenary of the 1914-1918 War. Information should be forwarded to the office of Marcus Jones on 024 7634 8482.