Remembrance display removed from Brixworth’s Millennium Garden ahead of Armistice Day

Residents have hit out after a Remembrance display was removed ahead of Armistice Day.

A silhouette of a soldier and a poppy mosaic, which were installed around eight years ago, have been removed from Brixworth’s Millennium Garden, with residents claiming they were taken on November 10.

A local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The village has a strong military and veteran community, with an active Royal British Legion. People are very angry and upset.

“The garden is not Brixworth’s principal war memorial, but has been used for many years as a second place of remembrance. It is a place where residents have paused to reflect and honour those who served and sacrificed.”

The display was based in the garden, which is owned by the Diocese of Peterborough but leased to the parish council.

But the diocese says the council’s lease expired at the end of September, despite opportunity to rent or buy the land.

A spokeswoman said: “We recognise how important Brixworth Millennium Garden is to the local community, particularly as a place of remembrance.

“The parish council’s lease expired but we have allowed a period of flexibility following this and have not sought to enforce the vacation of the site in any way. Prior to the expiration of the lease the diocese offered to renew it at the same rent, with the council meeting the professional and legal costs of preparing a new lease, but this was declined. The council was subsequently offered the opportunity to purchase the land, but this was also declined.

“We are continuing to explore whether the garden’s current use can continue and we hope a positive way forward can be found for the community.”

The council says it was unable to reach ‘mutually agreeable terms’ with the diocese to renew the lease, and has been asked to vacate the land with immediate effect.

A spokeswoman said: “This is a very sad turn of events for the council, particularly given the importance of Millennium Gardens to our local community and the time and care that has gone into creating and maintaining this public open space for residents and members of the public to enjoy over many years.

“Following the termination of the lease, all responsibility for the gardens now rests solely with the Diocese of Peterborough. The parish council will no longer be undertaking any maintenance or have responsibility for the area or any remaining assets located there.

“We appreciate this news may be disappointing and upsetting for residents who have enjoyed the gardens over the years. The council shares that disappointment and is genuinely saddened an arrangement could not be reached to secure the future of this much-loved community space.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported, visited and enjoyed Millennium Gardens, and those who have contributed to its upkeep over the years.”