A CONTROVERSIAL memorial to remember the Holocaust and victims of genocide has been welcomed with open arms by many Redditch people.

The Advertiser took to the streets to see what members of the public thought of the white concrete structure, which depicts a soldier holding a small child's hand.

Plans for the memorial have had a chequered history and were rejected twice by Redditch Council's planning chiefs before being finally approved in March.

Some councillors thought the monument should be placed in Arrow Valley Park's peace garden instead of the town centre.

But Janet and John Young, of Webheath, said the spot outside St Stephen's Church was ideal for attracting attention.

Mrs Young said: "You can't walk past it without stopping to look. The image invites you in and makes you think."

Mr Young said the feature was a necessary addition to the town and hoped it would trigger youngsters' interest in history.

He said: "People turn their backs on the past, often thinking it's best forgotten but the memorial symbolises a very important part of history which should be recognised by people of all ages and religions."

Students Leanne Stanford, Laura-Jane Powers and Adam Beech, all aged 16, said they were also drawn to the memorial.

Adam, who attends New College, said he liked the way the image framed the greenery and the brickwork of the church.

He said: "It's unusual because you can look at the image while at the same time looking through it to the scenery."

Councillor Betty Passingham, a staunch supporter of the monument and member of the Holocaust Memorial committee, said the idea of the feature was to learn from the past while looking beyond to the future.

Shopper Rafeen Altaf said it was a "great idea" but needed to be more prominent and eye-catching.

She added: "It's quite small and a bit bland - it's not exactly 'out there', is it?"

The memorial was originally designed by Redditch youngster Chase Lloyd and was realised by artist and sculptor Andy Decomyn.

A plaque will be placed next to the monument before VE Day on Sunday, May 8, when it will be officially unveiled.

Ceremony for VE Day

CELEBRATIONS of the 60th anniversary of VE day in Redditch will be marked with the unveiling of its latest public artwork, the Holocaust Memorial.

Residents of all faiths will be invited to view the Church Green monument after a special remembrance service at St Stephen's Church on Sunday, May 8, at 11.30am.

St Stephen's vicar the Rev Andrew Smith said the service and memorial would enable people to remember those who died in the war.

He added: "It will remind Redditch people to work for a better world, where war and violence are not used to settle disputes and that terrible genocide should never have happened."

Mr Smith is organising the service in partnership with Redditch Council and ex-service organisations.