NEGLECTED war graves across Reigate and Banstead will be restored in time for the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
A survey by the borough council has so far identified around 200 war graves, mostly dating from the First or Second World Wars, at 12 different cemeteries and graveyards.
Some have headstones supplied and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but others which are privately maintained are in a poor state of repair. A few need professional restoration.
The council is working with groups including the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to restore the graves, and the borough's six council-maintained war memorials, before the anniversary in August.
Council leader Joan Spiers said: "Restoration of these war graves is of the upmost importance so we can give a fitting and lasting tribute to honour those that fought and died for us. We are keen to trace as many relatives or friends of those buried in these graves as we can."
Volunteers are also being sought to help with ongoing maintenance of the graves.
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