The People's Memorial in Portsmouth 'fenced off' due to sea defence works as reopening timeframe given

A reflective war memorial will be reopening soon after it was “fenced off” from the public.

The path leading to the People’s Memorial at Langstone Harbour was cut off due to ongoing sea defence works. Volunteers who look after the monument declined to comment to The News directly, but issued a series of social media statements.

The first on April 16 said: “We are sorry to inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances and the start of the sea defence work on the coastal path, they have now fenced off the memorial and coastal path.”

The second, a day later, added that volunteers have been granted access to maintain the commemorative landmark while works are undertaken. This can only happen while contractors are present at the site, they said.

The People’s Memorial created by civic hero Willie Goldfinch and set up in 2009. His remarkable dedication lead to him being honoured by the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth.

It was originally set up as a commemoration place to remember armed forces personnel who died during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The monument has since become a place for the community to honour the armed forces and their loved ones, hosting weddings, school trips, and is home to the ashes of many residents.

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A North Portsea Coastal Scheme spokesperson said public access is expected to be reinstated within the next few days. Work is continuing on the seafront project, with the new promenade in Southsea opened earlier this month.

The spokesperson said: “Access to the People’s Memorial is expected to reopen shortly, as we understand how important the memorial is to local people. In the meantime, volunteers connected to the People’s Memorial have been given access so they can continue to look after the site. We apologise for the inconvenience caused while the site was first set up for the work.

"Flood defence work was carried out in this area as part of the North Portsea Coastal Scheme in 2016. While we finish the final phase of the scheme at Ports Creek, we are also revisiting earlier parts of the scheme to make sure they are still in the best condition, ahead of full completion later this year. This includes refreshing gravel footpaths in this area and others."