Borough High Street war memorial rededicated

The memorial, designed by Captain Philip Lindsay Clark DSO and unveiled in 1922, depicts an advancing infantrymen. The bronze reliefs – described as "exceptionally inventive" by English Heritage – represent aerial and naval combat.

At the end of last year the memorial was dismantled to allow the foundations to be rebuilt.

The project was funded by Borough, Bankside & Walworth Community Council's Cleaner Greener Safer programme using money allocated by councillors from both Cathedrals and Chaucer wards.

On Sunday lunchtime local church and civic representatives gathered outside the Slug and Lettuce for the rededication service which was led by the Dean of Southwark, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn

A reading was given by Fr Christopher Pearson from the local Roman Catholic church of the Precious Blood.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for environment, transport and recycling, gave a short speech.

In her address Cllr Adele Morris, councillor for Cathedrals ward, paid tribute to her predecessor, the late Cllr Hilary Wines, who had organised the regular Remembrance Sunday act of remembrance in Borough High Street.

Cllr Morris recalled the "consternation" of local residents in 2011 when one of the bronze reliefs fell off the side of the memorial. It was later found in the Slug & Lettuce where it had been taken for safekeeping.

She also thanked those who had played a part in the memorial's restoration, including PC Peter Osborne of the Metropolitan Police's Cathedrals Ward Safer Neighbourhoods Team and council officer Tony Coppock.

After the rededication the first wreath was laid by the Deputy Mayor of Southwark Cllr Sunil Chopra.

Cllr David Noakes laid a wreath on behalf of the three Cathedrals ward councillors.

A new plaque has been laid in the pavement in front of the memorial to record the restoration of the structure by Southwark Council.

Local army reservists and air cadets also took part in the ceremony.

• On Sunday morning the congregation of Southwark Cathedral learnt that Canon Bruce Saunders, sub dean and canon pastor of the cathedral and priest-in-charge of St Hugh's Bermondsey, will retire this summer.