Poppies painted to commemorate Remembrance Sunday

Cheshire East's Highways Service has painted specially designed poppy markings across roads in Cheshire East to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The iconic poppies have been painted in honour of the service and sacrifice provided by our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. With many poignant events in Cheshire East for Remembrance Day being cancelled this year, the paintings provide a different way for residents to commemorate.

Markings have been installed across eleven locations in Cheshire East including Market Street in Nantwich and Fountain Square in Disley to remember those who gave their lives on behalf of their country. 

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “With fewer activities taking place this year to mark Remembrance Sunday, we hope that these symbols will help to remind our residents of the lives lost in conflicts around the world and enable them to pay their respects. Thanks go to our Armed Forces Champion, Ashley Farrall for suggesting the initiative and to our highways team and their staff for making it happen”. 

Councillor Ashley Farrall, Cheshire East Council Armed Forces Champion commented: “I am very proud of the highways team for volunteering their time to paint the poppies across the borough and I’m so grateful to them for being able to turn the idea into reality so quickly as well. It’s been an incredible effort. 

“The poppies help us to reflect on the sacrifices made and shows our ongoing commitment to the armed forces community at this challenging time. The pandemic may not have allowed us to commemorate as we usually would, but we wanted to ensure we marked Remembrance Day in the best way possible”.

The poppies showcase one of many ways that the council supports the armed forces community. Cheshire East highways’ service provider, Ringway Jacobs, has recently been awarded an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for their commitment to supporting the armed forces community.