A new war memorial is to be created in Upper Gornal after funding was secured for the project.

The memorial, which will list the names of fallen soldiers from the First and Second World Wars, is to go in the centre of The Arcade. 

It will replace the existing Roll of Honour of war dead at St Peter’s Church in the village, which faces closure due to a £500,000 repair bill that parishioners cannot afford to pay. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

"With the future of the church uncertain, we were faced with the possibility that people would have nowhere to show their respects in Upper Gornal for their forefathers who gave their lives in the two world wars This has been a real community project, with drive from the council, residents and businesses to make this a reality.

"I am pleased that together we have secured the funding to make it happen and I look forward to seeing it as the centrepiece of the village, preserving the names of fallen soldiers and heroes for future generations.

"The cost of the new memorial will be £9,250 provided by the Enovert Community Trust after a successful bid for funding by Dudley Council. The trust is an environmental body which supports community projects. £925 is being put forward by McDonald’s in Upper Gornal to cover additional costs required for the installation."

The council’s housing team will build a wall around the memorial to protect it, with community volunteers offering to tend and nurture flowers around it.