THE Royal British Legion has welcomed recommendations to repair Chippenham War Memorial but say the monument should never have got into such a disgraceful state.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Chippenham Town Council's amenity committee agreed the memorial was in an appalling condition. It has suggested to the full town council that money set aside in the budget should be used for short-term repairs while funds are sought for a replacement.

It rejected an alternative option of carrying forward the budget towards the cost of a replacement.

Irene Sinclair, secretary of the Chippenham Royal British Legion, said: "We came back from the meeting satisfied in one way but not completely because it is going to be some time before anything happens as the paperwork gets passed.

"It should never have got to this stage. It should have been kept in decent repair but they haven't spent the money over the years."

The council wanted the legion to look for funds for replacing the memorial but Mrs Sinclair said this would be impossible because it is a charity. She added she was pleased the council were finally taking responsibility for the memorial, but said she did not feel a replacement was wanted by most people.

"The public feel because it was put up by the people of Chippenham it should be respected if at all possible.

"They don't want a new one but would rather have a very good refurbishment.

"We've had no indication of when anything will happen. It definitely won't be done in time for Remembrance Day.

"We hope it will be by our 85th anniversary next year."

Chippenham town clerk Laurie Brown said the matter was so controversial the amenity committee wanted it to go to full council.

"This issue will go on a little bit longer," he said.

"The money that is set aside is enough to do repairs and refurbishment. These would last for a few more years but in the longer term we may still wish to replace it."

The full town council will reconsider the matter on July 26.