HISTORIC England are considering listing a war memorial as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

The undertaking was discussed by Ringwood Town Councillors after they received a letter from the government service advising them that an initial assessment had been done of the structure, situated at Christchurch Road.

Once their report is completed and a consultation has taken place, the report will be sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for a final decision.

A spokesperson for Historic England was unable to confirm when a decision will be made as each application varies according to the consultation process and the time it takes it complete a report.

At the town's planning, town and environment meeting last Friday (OCT 7) the deputy town clerk Jo Hurd said: "They are looking at listing the war memorial and they are asking us if we have got any comments on it."

She told councillors that the town clerk, Steve Nash, is looking to make improvements to the war memorial such as fixing some of the crumbling stone, cracks and adding a plaque to include new names.

These improvements will have to be put on hold while Historic England considers adding the memorial to the list, Ms Hurd said.

Cllr Tim Ward, the committee's deputy chairman, asked: "Does anyone have any issue that we say we wholeheartedly agree to this process?"

Councillors unanimously agreed they had no concerns with Historic England's suggestion.

Ringwood's war memorial committee was established following the First World War to raise money by public subscription for a dedicated garden. Around £450 was donated during 1920-21.

When insufficient funds had been raised, the council was asked if it would be willing to take over the costs and running of the site.

The memorial cross is the standard design of Sir Reginald Blomfield seen at many memorials up and down the country.

Ringwood's version was officially unveiled on June 30, 1921 by Major General Sir George Aston KCB.