Stratton St Margaret could have a new war memorial by 2014 – the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.

The parish council is investigating grant aid to cover the estimated £10,000 cost of such a memorial, whose design would be thrown open to local public competition.

It would commemorate local people who made the ultimate sacrifice in that conflict and all conflicts since.

The plan has the backing of the Royal British Legion, and the favoured site is a tranquil piece of land at the corner of Ermin Street and Grange Drive.

Parish Council finance committee chairman John Foley and vice chairman Nigel Chalk began investigating a possible new memorial in response to public demand.

Coun Foley, who was in the Royal Artillery during two years of National Service from 1952, said: “We were approached not by one or two people but 15 or 20, who asked us why we didn’t have a war memorial.

“We have no central place in the parish, which stretches from the playing fields at Queensfield right the way through to Nythe, and from Honda to Cricklade Road.

“I think a memorial is a wonderful idea. The year 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War, and that’s our target date.

“As far as the design goes, it’s been suggested that we go to open competition for people in the parish and give a small prize for the winning design.

“We estimate the cost at about £10,000, but we’re not looking to pay that because we’re going to apply for grants from the War Memorials Commission and other bodies.”

Coun Chalk said: “The whole idea is that there is nothing at this end of Stratton St Margaret, which commemorates our war dead.”

Stratton Royal British Legion agrees.

Branch president Peter Platt said: “It’s very important and it should have been done years ago.

“The memorial would commemorate the First World War and all wars.”

The parish council’s website, www.strattonstmargaret.gov.uk, has further details.