WORK started in October to restore and clean the war memorials in Widnes, Runcorn and Hale in preparation for the Remembrance Sunday.

The work, which was part funded by a grant from the War Memorial Trust of £11,750 with the remaining funds being provided by the council, coincided with the installation of silhouettes around the borough to symbolise the communities that took part in the First World War.

The silhouettes are near life-size and represent soldiers, those who gave medical support, RAF and RFC fighters, members of the Navy, munition factory workers and the suffragettes who led the fight for women to be able to vote. 

During the week leading up to this year’s Remembrance Sunday, the Mersey Gateway will be lit up red to symbolise the poppy and to commemorate the servicemen and women killed in the conflict. 

Halton Borough Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill said: “The Silent Silhouettes are the idea of The Royal British Legion as a ‘thank you’ to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed, rebuilt and changed the nation. 

“There are different silhouettes to symbolise the communities that took part in the First World War. 

“I think they are a great idea as they’ve allowed communities to display their thanks and have also raised funds towards the work that the Legion does day in day out to support service personnel, veterans and their families. 

“Let’s hope this year is the best collection ever, on this the anniversary of the end of First World War.”

A Tommy silhouette set to be displayed outside the Brindley Theatre is provided by Millbank Holdings Ltd, a leading engineering and technical resource management company headquartered in Runcorn. 

Managing director David Hopley said he was proud to be sponsoring the campaign.