A CAMPAIGN for the return of a memorial to the men who fought and fell during the First World War is gathering pace.

The large mausoleum that once stood in Chester-le-Street market place was dismantled in the 1950 by the then Chester-le-Street Urban District Council and replaced with a 3ft polished granite obelisk, off the town's Church Chare.

According to several of the town's residents, the move was an unpopular one.

Now, with the regeneration of Chester-le-Street town centre on the horizon, calls for the memorial to be restored are gathering strength.

Secretary of the Chester-le-Street branch of Durham Light Infantry Association, Brian Hardman, of Birtley, said: "The original memorial was a magnificent structure and when it was moved it caused a lot of controversy.

"The memorial now languishes in the north side of the churchyard and, in spite of the promise, has only been partially rebuilt.

"The saddest part is that it only lists the names of those who fell in the Great War, and none since."

Wreath-laying ceremonies in the town now take place in front of panels taken from the original monument, which have been placed in the churchyard of St Mary's and St Cuthbert's Parish Church. The panels contain the names of the soldiers who died.

Retired Territorial Army Major Donald McDonald, from Brancepeth, remembers the original memorial from when he trained at Chester-le-Street drill hall.

He said: "The panels from the memorial were stuck into the wall at the back of the church.

"As a substitute memorial, a black, granite obelisk of a non-descript shape and size was put in front of the church. It is only about 3ft high and it just has a vague inscription - it doesn't recognise anybody.

"There was a furore at the time the momument was removed and there is strong feeling for its restoration." Plans are being drawn up by Chester-le-Street District Council to drastically transform the centre of the town, which includes the creation a new focal point or 'civic heart' for the town near the market place.

A spokesman for the council said: "We will of course consider all the proposals and suggestions once the consultation process is in full swing."