At-Risk War Memorials project under threat of closure

A charitable project that rescues war memorials from destruction is facing an uncertain future. 

At-Risk War Memorials in Leicester, which sees volunteers salvaging stonework bearing the names of those lost in the First and Second World wars, has been saving monuments for the past 11 years. 

But now, volunteers say they require premises after their landlord, the Churches Conservation Trust, advised it was time to move on.

• Defence spending commitment 'simply not enough', Tory MPs say
• UK military 'stands ready' for planned Border Force strikes, MOD says
• UK nuclear test veterans to receive medal as Government recognises service 70 years on

The At-Risk project can be called on at short notice to rescue monuments facing destruction or vandalism.

Led by Denis Kenyon, a former Army reservist, volunteers race to locations to salvage memorials, then care for the objects in a building provided by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Speaking to Forces News, Mr Kenyon said memorials like those rescued by his team are "works of art".

He added: "It's the names. The reason these memorials exist in the first place are because of the names.

"In addition to rescuing the war memorials, we do, where we can, produce many biographies of as many of the men as possible and we make those available online."

War memorials rescued by At-Risk's volunteers are typically found in churches, remembrance gardens, and buildings such as working men's clubs and hospitals. 

They can also be the target of criminals who steal precious metals often found on or around the monuments to sell.

"These are men that gave themselves for this country. They were sacrificed, and they must be remembered," Mr Kenyon said. 

The Churches Conservation Trust said they "Fully recognised the importance of war memorials and the work of the At-Risk project." 

The trust added: "Although we feel they do need a bigger and more appropriate home, we have no plans to evict the At-Risk War Memorials Project.  

"We will continue supporting the volunteers while they look for a new home for the long-term benefit of their important work."