FEARS that Haltwhistle‘s war memorial is subsiding have been allayed.

For a survey carried out by a structural engineer has confirmed that there are no safety issues concerning the monument, on Westgate.

Speaking at a meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council, Coun. Jeanette Kendrew said: “There is no evidence that the war memorial is subsiding.

“There is a crack between the central pier and the end block. It is not a safety issue, it is just cosmetic.

“It could do with a clean, but the way it looks adds to the character of it.”

Coun. Kevin Little said the problem was a displaced joint, rather than a crack, and suggested that it could be repaired without affecting the appearance of the memorial.

The council agreed to proceed with the repair work. Maintenance is also set to be carried out on flagstones in front of the war memorial.