HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition aiming to save the cenotaph at The Circle in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood.

Islwyn MP Don Touhig handed the petition - bearing more than 900 signatures - to Caerphilly county borough council yesterday.

It had been suggested that the cenotaph, which has stood in the centre of Cefn Fforest for 12 years, could be moved to a new position.

This would be part of a proposed redevelopment of the village that could see car-parking spaces installed in The Circle.

Possible new venues for the war memorial include outside the Institute, at the roundabout in Bedwellty Road or at St Thomas' Church.

But Doreen Hamer, who was secretary of the Cefn Fforest Royal British Legion women's section until it disbanded three years ago, organised the campaign to keep the cenotaph in its present petition.

She and fellow British Legion member Betty Owen put copies of the petition in clubs and shops for local people to sign.

Yesterday Mrs Hamer told the Argus that she was hopeful the campaign would now be successful.

"The cenotaph is a central point in Cefn Fforest and we want it to stay where it is," she said.

"It has been there for about 12 years now, and our remembrance service is one of the best in the Valleys."

She added that railings could be put around the cenotaph and the car park incorporated into The Circle. Mr Touhig, who was accompanied by former Cefn Fforest councillor Tom Williams when he presented the petition, said: "Traders and residents see no reason for the cenotaph to be moved. "They like it where it is - it is at the heart of the village, near the school and the shops."

A spokesman for Caerphilly council said the authority is currently considering plans for the future development of Cefn Fforest as a whole, but that nothing definite has been agreed yet.

*PICTURED: Islwyn MP Don Touhig hands the petition to Caerphilly council's deputy leader, Councillor Keith Griffiths.