When their heroes fell a town recognised the enormity of their sacrifice. Their 175 names are embossed on plaques on two sides of a war memorial.
The men from the Whitefield area were killed in the First World War. On a third side of the cenotaph there are a further 80 names of local men who died in the Second World War.
When so many of the town's men failed to return from the Great War of 1914-18 not only did the town build a cenotaph but also, nearby, laid out gardens, known as Hamilton Park, and neighbouring tennis courts, and Stand cricket ground in their memory.
Despite this a telecoms company has requested "prior approval" for a 59ft 5G mast on a wedge of grass just 15 yards from the cenotaph.
The proposal has stunned the community and united both Labour and Conservative councillors in lobbying against the idea. The council has no power to stop the company from installing the mast. It can, however, negotiate its best location.
The mast is being proposed by CK Hutchison Networks Ltd, owner of phone service provider Three. In a letter they asked the council whether prior approval is needed to install the structure at the junction of Church Lane and Higher Lane. It would be on a verge next to the two busy roads and additional equipment cabinets would also be installed.
The application says the mast is intended to extend 5G service across the target "coverage hole" in the area and says the construction will "assimilate well into the immediate street."
Labour councillor Liz Fitzgerad, Tory councillors, Russell Bernstein, and Nick Jones; and Labour Bury South MP, Christian Wakeford, have jointly submitted a letter of objection to the council about the plan. In total the council has received 79 objections.
Their letter says: "We have all been contacted by people across Whitefield who are concerned about the proposed position of the 5G mast and cabinets. The number of emails and comments to us were such that we have worked together to research the planning regulations and to hold two public meetings. These public meetings were well attended and included not only individual residents but representatives from local groups too. "
It says the reasons for objecting include the mast's proximity to Grade 1 and Grade 2 listed buildings in the conservation area. It means the community’s visual amenity would be impacted, adding: "The mast and cabinets would not enhance the conservation area. This land was bought for public use following a post-War conscription and gifted to the old Whitefield District Council.
"The loss of this space and impact on such a beautiful place would reduce the public’s use and enjoyment."
They add that the road junction is dangerous and losing the green verge would make sight lines more difficult for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The letter concludes: "Whilst most residents accept the need for 5G, we would like to work with the networks to agree potential sites for these masts rather than applications popping up all the time and often being rejected. We would welcome any ideas, or contacts you have, to begin this dialogue with the relevant companies."
Councillor Fitzgerald, who as chair of the Whitefield Township Forum supported local residents in their campaign to get the cenotpah cleaned and repaired, said: "People understand there needs to be infrastructure, but companies should work together and us to agree planned networks rather than just putting applications through one by one wherever they see spare bit of land with no concern to how that impacts the residents."
Councillor Bernstein said: "I am delighted that Conservative and Labour councillors in Pilkington Park ward can work together for the common goal of doing what our residents want. I am keen to build on this approach for any similar matters in the future."
A Three spokesperson said: “Access to 5G has a vital role to play in boosting local economies, helping residents and businesses get faster and more reliable network coverage. This is why we’re working with the local council in Bury to roll out the UK’s fastest 5G network so that we can keep everyone connected both now and in the future.”
In a statement the company added: "We have carefully considered vehicle, cycle and pedestrian safety in our application. The relevant local highway authority is a statutory consultee on all planning applications of this nature. They will assess the location for all aspects of vehicle, cycle and pedestrian sight-lines and safety, and advise the planning department accordingly."
