City of York Council has approved Network Rail’s application to clean the North Eastern Railway War Memorial, in Station Rise.
When the plans were first revealed in August they were welcomed by York Normandy veteran Ken Cooke, who said it was 'about time'.
He told The Press in August: “It is disgusting. It was getting to the point where I was going to take a bar of soap and do it myself!
“It’s a memorial to the lads who didn’t come home, and it should be looked after. It is there for a very good purpose, so I’m very pleased that they are going to clean it.”
The plans were also welcomed by York Normandy veteran Joseph Wood, who served on a minesweeper clearing mines from the approach to the Normandy beaches.
Speaking in August, the 99-year-old said: “We shouldn’t forget those who gave their lives.
“It should be cleaned as a mark of respect.”
RECOMMENDED READING
- York NER War Memorial: plan to clean and repair monument
- York Normandy veteran Ken Cooke presented with a model of 'his' train
- D-Day hero Ken heads to Normandy for 80th anniversary visit
YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
'Why York's famous Shambles should be renamed Diagon Alley from Harry Potter'
Popular York restaurant gets one-star food hygiene rating after inspection
Club 55 - councillors renew licence for York strip club
New care home set to open in York
New padel court proposed to meet rising demand in North Yorkshire
The Full Monty Tour is Coming to Grand Opera House in York
How to Tap into Active Travel Fund to Make School Run Safer
Age UK York Nominated for Charitable Excellence Award at Yorkshire Choice Awards 2026
