ARMED Forces Day organisers are hoping to unveil the new Cleethorpes Remembrance Gate when this year's event takes place next month.
Plans to put up a stainless steel arch to commemorate the sacrifices of local Armed Forces personnel were backed by North East Lincolnshire Council's planning committee yesterday.
Although the committee could not formally approve the application as the consultation period does not finish until today, permission will be granted as long as no objections are submitted before the deadline.
No objections have been received so far.
Bill McCann, a member of the borough's Armed Forces events organising committee, said the plan was to make the new feature a focal point of Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 29.
As previously outlined, the arch will be put up on the two stone pillars on High Cliff Road opposite The Point, and will feature a 4ft by 2ft joint service crest, comprising the Army's crossed swords, the eagle of the Royal Air Force and a naval anchor, in the centre.
In addition, smaller steel plaques featuring the crests of the various different Armed Forces associations, will be fixed to the side of the two pillars.
The associations are currently fundraising to pay for these items. All the work will be carried out by Grimsby-based Blackrow Engineering.
The arch will be lit by two lamps, fixed to each pillar. Mr McCann said that no decision had yet been made about whether the lamps would be the ornate 1920s lights salvaged from Corporation Bridge, in Grimsby, as was initially proposed.
Mr McCann, who is chairman of the local Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Club, said the plan was to hold a blessing service during Armed Forces Day if the arch is completed in time.
"The Remembrance Gate will be used as the focal point for Armed Forces Day and the parade will stop in front of it. It will be a fitting tribute for the resort and the borough.
"Lots of people stop and look at the Strike Wing memorial every day, and I'm sure the Remembrance Gate will prove just as popular."
Mr McCann also revealed that this year's event will feature the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight, and displays by a Mustang P51 and Typhoon Eurofighter.
Events will be taking place throughout the day, with the car park at the end of Sea View Street being used as an entertainment area. Sea View Street itself will play host to a variety of military vehicles and re-enactors playing the role of British, American and French military personnel. There will also be various attractions on the Lower Kingsway.
Keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for a full preview of this Armed Forces Day.
ON THE WEB: See pictures from last year's Armed Forces Day at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
