War memorials will have a new lease of life thanks to £100,000 of council funding.

Cheshire East Council is providing the sum to fund repairs and refurbishment of First World War memorials across the borough. This is in time for this year’s 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War, which ran from 1914 to 1918.

Parishes and the Royal British Legion can apply to the council for funding.

Coun Michael Jones, Cheshire East leader, said: “I have immense respect for those who gave their lives for their country in the First World War, as I have for those who erected and maintain memorials to their sacrifice.

“I am delighted that this council is able to put forward £100,000 to fund repairs and refurbishment of these important local community monuments.”

Len Johnson, member of the Royal British Legion in Macclesfield and former chairman, welcomed the money but said the council should have acted sooner.

He said the memorial at Park Green, opened in 1921, is suffering from neglect.

He said: “Cheshire East council has not been maintaining the memorial since it took over and it’s a sorry state.

“The stonework is stained green from the copper statues on top which have leaked.

“It’s a marvellous memorial but has been neglected.

“I’m glad to see there is money available but the council should have taken an interest sooner.

“I think Macclesfield has a strong case for some money

and we’ll be making an application.”

n For more information about applying, contact Tina Jones on 01270 685811.