DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott has delivered a fatal blow to the campaign against plans to relocate Crewe's war memorial.

Mr Prescott announced on Tuesday evening that he was approving the relocation plans following a long and controversial debate that has divided the local community.

Frank Jones, leader of the Memorial Action Team, said he was so incensed by everything that has happened that he may stand as a councillor himself in the next elections.

He said: "Obviously I'm dismayed but I've got to say it was expected.

"I consider it Labour council vandalism. There is no doubt about that in my mind.

"In my opinion, Cllr Kent will be recorded in history as the councillor who destroyed our war memorial.

"I'm not political at all, but I'm so incensed that I would stand at the next election if that's what the people of Crewe wanted."

Conservative group leader Cllr Brian Silvester said: "I'm staggered because it has taken less than two weeks to decide this.

"The paperwork has been sent off to Manchester and it has just been rubberstamped with no consideration of people's concerns at all.

"Prescott has ridden roughshod over the views of the people. It is staggering and shameful.

"The members of the action group felt that the matter would be given an independent review, but it has not been dealt with fairly at all."

Work in Municipal Square is expected to begin in the Autumn, with the relocation of the memorial scheduled to take place early in 2006.