Date of publication: 03/05/2013
Plans to commemorate the Accrington Pals for the Centenary of the First World War have received “initial [funding] support” from the Heritage Lottery Fund, as part of a wider plan to restore the Accrington town centre, Lancashire, England.
‘The Accrington Pals’ was a volunteer ‘pals’ battalion which was officially known as the ’11th Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment’ of the British Army.
‘Pals battalions’ were units in the British Army which consisted of men who had signed up together to serve during the First World War.
The funding set aside by Heritage Lottery Fund for the Accrington Town Centre redevelopment and the Pals Centenary project stands at £1.5 million.
“The project aims to transform the declining historic retail and commercial gateway into the town centre, along Blackburn Road, culminating in a public realm scheme outside Accrington Town Hall and Market Hall to commemorate the Accrington Pals and the Battle of the Somme”.
David Welsby, Chief Executive of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “Recognising that the [town] square is in the heart of Accrington, the Council will be working with local people and a variety of organisations, including the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, to ensure that [commemoration plans] provide a fitting remembrance of those from the Pals that lost their lives during the First World War.”
There are also plans for a “a variety of community activities” to mark the Centenary of the First World War in Accrington.
To read the full press release, visit the Heritage Lottery Fund website here.
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News