PLANS for a Peace Garden commemorating the First World War in Kendal have been unveiled.

Town councillors have approved the concept of the garden in Abbot Hall Park, at a cost of £10,000.

The idea was put forward by the town’s Mayor, Cllr Tom Clare, as a way of creating a ‘lasting legacy’ of the outbreak of WWI.

Cllr Clare said the plan was to create a civic garden with plenty of symbolism built into it, and that Kendal’s twin town of Rinteln in Germany was being encouraged to create its own.

The draft design by Kendal artist Evelyn Sinclair consists of a low mound, symbolising the earth, with a wooden peace pole at the centre.

The pole will be approached between two zig zag beds of roses, which represent the trenches of WWI, and barbed wire.

The path will flower with red poppies at the appropriate time of year and the rest of the garden will be divided into four sections, reflecting the four seasons and the phrase ‘from the four corners of the earth’.

Around the pole will be a steel sculpture of barbed wire transformed into Tudor Roses – the rose is intended to be a symbol of peace as it combines the emblems of the warring Houses of Lancaster and York.

Cllr Clare said: “The garden includes other symbolism and references a number of religions, the idea being that the Kendal Peace Garden will be unique and something on a visitor’s list of things to see.”

Two potential locations have been identified in the park for the 10 metre square garden – one near to the Waterside estate and the other close to the bowling green.

Town councillors expressed support for the idea at their meeting on Monday, with Cllr Chris Hogg saying it was ‘a very appropriate scheme’.

The overall cost is estimated at £10,000, including £3,000 for the sculpture and £1,400 for a bench and interpretation panel, which will come from money ring-fenced for park improvements.

Cllr Clare said he would welcome any comments from residents about the design.