The likely moving of a memorial to a pilot erected less than six months ago, 68 years to the day after he sacrificed his life to save Spalding residents, has been described as ‘like a slap in the face’ by his family.
The tribute to pilot officer George Furniss near Two Plank Bridge was consecrated just last September 27 by The Rev (Flt Lt) Philip Johnson in front of family members including his twin daughters Sheila Reynolds and Gill Akers.
Both were involved alongside Coun Angela Newton in the process of erecting the monument on South Holland District Council land off Vernatts Drain close to where Mr Furniss ejected from his stricken plane after ensuring it wouldn’t hit homes.
But Lincolnshire County Council has now said it needs to move it temporarily as part of the work on the Spalding Western Relief Road which is being built on the other side of the drain.
It will be fenced off from Monday with a spokesman for the authority saying it is looking to move it “approximately ten metres away” from June until the end of 2022.
Sheila said: “It’s quite shocking and really disappointing.
“We had a lovely memorial service where the memorial was blessed, attended by the Royal Auxiliary Air
Force and the family from Sheffield.
“It was such a memorable occasion.
“It’s 68 years after my father was killed and because of COVID we had to wait two-years to have it erected and now someone’s come along and wants to move it.
“What if it gets damaged?
“I think it’s a slap in the face for everyone involved, including the memory of my father.”
Coun Newton questioned why heavy vehicles needed to be on the district council owned land and said:
“Clearly they are very disappointed that all the preparation by the district council’s grounds maintenance team put into advising on a suitable site for the memorial, and the attendance of the padre conducting such a move memorial service to a very brave man can be undone so easily by a group of other people.
“We had high ranking RAF officials at the consecration who offered to maintain it in their own time. How will this look to them?”
When asked what the cost of moving the newly installed memorial was, the spokesman said it was included in the general works for the road.
Karen Cassar, assistant director for highways, said the work was “likely” to happen to ensure its safety.
“A number of large construction vehicles, including massive cranes and piling rigs, will be crossing through the area as we rebuild Two Plank Bridge and construct the new relief road – and the last thing we want is to accidentally damage the plaque that’s been installed here.
“We have also offered to make improvements to the memorial, like adding a flower bed or providing a different style plinth.
“I want to assure everyone that the memorial will remain accessible to visitors throughout our works and that, if we move it, it will be put back at its original location once we’re certain it will be safe.”
