Park status to mark Preston's help for war effort

Avenham and Miller Parks are among many across the country set to be given Centenary Field War Memorial Park status.

As part of national plans to mark 100 years since the end of the Great War, charity Fields in Trust has launched a scheme to “protect and recognise” parks that had a connection with the war effort.

The city council’s cabinet members will vote on the proposals next week.

If approved by the local authority, the move will see Fields in Trust provide a commemorative plaque to be set up in the parks to describe their link to the war.

It will complement the tribute to the Preston Pals established in Miller Park in 2014.

Both Avenham and Miller Parks were used as training grounds by the Armed Forces to train and prepare troops for battle.

A spokesman for Fields in Trust said: “By dedicating land through the Centenary Fields programme local authorities can ensure valuable green space is protected as a living remembrance to those who fought and lost their lives in the First World War.

“This dedication is aligned with the spirit of the Armed Forces Community Covenant and will be recognised by the local community as a clear commitment to the importance of these spaces now and in the future.”