THE removal of Tavistock's war memorial from the Guildhall car park to the parish churchyard moved a step closer this week when town councillors agreed to spend £800 on an archaeological study.

The study, which will be carried out by Exeter Archaeology, is a vital first part of the process, according to historic buildings watchdog English Heritage.

The town council is responsible for the war memorial and money has been set aside in next year's budget to carry out the study.

Councillors agreed a letter should be sent to members of the working group which carried out last year's public consultation on whether the memorial should be moved, thanking them for their help and informing them of the study.

The war memorial was erected by public subscription after the first world war.

The proposal to move it was suggested at last year's annual town meeting when a straw poll of those present showed a desire to see it taken away from the car park.

The result of the public consultation carried out last autumn revealed an overwhelming majority wished to see the memorial resited in the grounds of St Eustachius Church in Tavistock.