National Memorial Arboretum 'in danger of falling into disrepair'

Nov 23 2009 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

A MIDLAND war memorial honouring thousands of serviceman is in danger of falling into disrepair, according to its trustees.

Increased visitor numbers at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas has led to the site becoming “tired”, according to trustee and Gulf War Veteran Major General Patrick Cordingley. The Arboretum is home to Armed Forces Memorial, which commemorates the lives of 16,000 service men and women killed on duty or by terrorist action since the end of the Second World War. The site has seen annual visitor numbers topping 300,000 over the last two years. The Arboretum recently launched the £8m NMA Future Foundations Appeal. Appeal chairman Major Gen Cordingley said: “The facilities are very tired and in danger of falling into disrepair.” A NMA spokesman said: “There is no ‘crisis’ but we do need to raise £8 million urgently.”