A GROUP of Hereford residents are campaigning for a valued green space in their community to be marked as a commemorative field to remember those who gave their lives in the First World War.

People are calling on the council to dedicate a field off Queenswood Drive in Hampton Dene as a ‘Centenary Field’ to honour the memory of fallen soldiers.

Campaigner Paul Jones explained: “This field is in a quiet location and the bench affords people a view into green space, without traffic and the hectic pace of everyday life. It allows dignified reflection and many people of all ages take this opportunity to contemplate the sacrifices of those who fought in armed conflicts.”

The campaign is part of the national Centenary Fields project, run by the Fields in Trust and the Royal British Legion, to encourage the dedication of green spaces as a living memorial to the fallen.

If successful, the field will have a plaque and will be protected by the RBL.

A memorial bench was added to the park 18 months ago, but the land later became under consultation for development which spurred Paul and his neighbours to explore ways to save the green area and maintain it as an area for commemoration.

Fellow resident Peter Clayton added: “The area has a proud military history and the Hereford Regiment took part in many armed conflicts including World War I. By working with the Fields in Trust programme the Council can make a positive contribution and ensure Tupsley provides this.”

The group has written to Alastair Neill, the chief executive of Herefordshire Council, to express their wishes along with an application form.

The campaign is particularly personal to Tupsley resident Joyce Warburton. Her great uncle Raymond Ledger was a lieutenant in the 6th Battalion Rifle Brigade attached to the Royal Welsh fusiliers and was killed in action aged 23 in April 1915.

Joyce said: “It would be most fitting for there to be a place of remembrance for the soldiers of Hereford as I’m sure there are many residents like me who have relatives who gave their lives in the war. I think it would be fantastic. I am sure I am not the only one with connections.”