THE fate of Crewe's war memorial is to be decided by a 'Citizens' Panel' comprised of 1,400 residents.

The memorial has been removed from its historical home in the town centre amid plans to install it in the newly redeveloped Municipal Square.

But following long-running protests from campaigners and war vets, the monument's fate still hangs in the balance.

And the new Tory-led council have promised a fresh consultation on whether it should be re-installed in its original location or placed in the revamped square.

Council leader Brian Silvester said: "We have chosen to use the Citizens' Panel for the consultation.

"The panel is comprised of approximately 1,400 borough residents and has been established for some years.

"The panel is made up from a cross section of residents by geography and is broadly representative of all the borough residents.

"The result would be highly representative of almost all residents and it would be much more cost effective than a referendum.

"It would be seen to be fair and even-handed because we would ask a body like the Electoral Reform Society to ensure that information sent out to the panel is balanced and gives a fair explanation of the two options."

But Memorial Action Team spokesman Frank Jones said he was disappointed by the consultation plans.

He said: "We have battled for 18 months to stop the war memorial being moved from its rightful home and feel that a petition of more than 10,000 signatures should be the end of the matter.

"We are concerned about the way in which this panel has been formed.

"But I would stress that we will go along with what people want."

l The council leadership's decision to suspend work on the memorial until after the consultation is now to go before the full council later this month.

This decision came under attack from Labour councillors who insisted it could cost taxpayers a further £100,000.

Now members of the Local Economy and Environment Committee have stepped in to refer the decision to the 56 members.

Labour councillor Steven Roberts said: "This will allow every member of the council to discuss the financial and legal consequences of this proposal in a responsible manner."