Tribute plans are under threat

11:52am Monday 12th May 2008

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PLANS to create a memorial garden outside the home of a former Paratrooper who died last year are under threat.

Albert Taylor died aged 93 on a patch of grass near his Longridge home in July after stabbing himself in the neck.

Manchester Methodists Housing Association wanted to create a tribute to Mr Taylor, better known as Bob, who was a keen gardener.

But Mr Taylor's niece, Pauline Hoult, who lives in Mobberley, said the association had hit difficulties.

"It had been planned but there was a problem over who owned the land," she said.

"They were going to create a sculpted garden and have one of those tree carvers working on the dead tree that is there."

Mrs Hoult said the garden should have been in place this summer to coincide with the Cheshire Year of Gardens.

"I think they were going to have it well started by now," she said.

"There were going to be workshops where people in Longridge could be involved in the process."

Mr Taylor's family planned to fix a plaque on one of the benches with his name and that of his wife Edna. "Somebody also offered to contact his regiment and get a bugler down for the opening," said Mrs Hoult.

A Manchester Methodists spokesman could not say where the garden would be. "We're currently looking at all possible options," she said.

"We're working with Mr Taylor's family, his friends and neighbours and other residents, to ensure that any memorial is appropriate for everyone concerned, and is sited in the most suitable place for the whole community."