Next week, work will begin to clean and improve the Palace Avenue War Memorial and its surroundings.

We are proud to be working alongside the Paignton Branch of the Royal British Legion, and the Paignton Town Community Partnership to complete this important project.

Work begins on the Wednesday 13 August, and is expected to be completed by Friday 22 August.

In preparation, The Royal British Legion are temporarily removing the tributes and wreaths from the site this week. The plaques on the memorial will then be cleaned and restored, before the chains in the memorial are improved.

During the refurbishment, access to the memorial will be restricted. However, Palace Avenue Gardens will remain open to the public. Further improvement works to the War Memorial, and the Palace Avenue Gardens are planned for September.

Further restoration of the plaques and ironwork are planned, as well as reducing the growth of the surrounding trees, to improve the lighting and aesthetic of the park. These secondary works are subject to council assessments of the site. All works are planned as to not disrupt key services, such as the Royal British Legion’s Merchant Navy Day Service on Wednesday 3 September.

Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events, and Corporate Services, said:

“The War Memorial on Palace Avenue is a proud landmark of Paignton, and we’ve always been committed to preserving its beauty and significance. These works are part of our efforts to honour those who served our country, and ensure the memorial remains a suitable tribute for generations to come. We are grateful to the Royal British Legion, and the Paignton and Preston Community Partnership for their help during the refurbishment.”

Gerard Sarsfield, Chairman of the Paignton branch of the Royal British Legion, said:

“The refurbishment of Paignton War Memorial is fantastic news. It shows the council's commitment to ensuring the legacy to the Fallen of Paignton and the sacrifices made by so many local families.

The War Memorial, although initially dedicated to those of both World Wars, stands as a reminder to the dedication of all our Armed Forces Community in the service of our country.

I would like to thank the council, Paignton and Preston Community Partnership, SWISCo and their contractors for making this happen. This ensures the Memorial will be a centre of Paignton Remembrance for now and the future.”

The War Memorial in Palace Avenue was first unveiled in June 1921. It features a two-stepped base supporting a square plinth and an obelisk. Bronze plaques bearing inscriptions are mounted on the sides of the plinth, commemorating those who served in the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War.

We thank Paignton Heritage Society and War Memorials Online for the information about the history of the memorial.