THE DUKE of York is coming to Woodley next week after years of campaigning for a memorial to honour the town’s Fallen finally paid off.

Dreams will become a reality on Tuesday – when Prince Andrew unveils the 12ft-high memorial in Woodford Park before hundreds of guests.

Retired police officer Colin Lott, who has led the campaign alongside residents since July 2011, told The Chronicle yesterday (Wednesday): “It’s very pleasing to have such a distinguished guest coming.

“I’m looking forward to the people of Woodley seeing the memorial we have wanted.

“We have waited for this for a long time. I think it will act as a meeting place to remember loved ones and for quiet thoughts.” His friend and fellow campaigner, Cllr Bill Soane, told The Chronicle that the memorial’s development has come “in the right year”, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

He said: “This is such an achievement for Woodley as the money was raised by the town’s people and businesses.

“It shows the level of support we got to make this happen. It’s something that’s long overdue. It’s a great day for us and a great day for Woodley.”

The memorial was given the green light by Wokingham Borough Council at the end of May and in March, Woodley Town Council agreed to juggle its finances and stump up £55,400 to make sure the park was up to scratch.

A special projects sum of £12,600 had already been allocated to cover the costs of design, installation and the tendering process, while businesses, schools and neighbours have helped raise £25,000 to build it.

The memorial will be unveiled at 3.30pm and the community is invited to attend.

Town and borough council leader Cllr Keith Baker said: “I think it will fill a void that has been there for far too long.

“We are one of the few towns or parishes in the area that hasn’t had a memorial where people can come and pay their respects in an open space area.

“I think it’s a fantastic addition to the town.”