A NEW war memorial commemorating the servicemen and woman who have lost their lives since the Second World War is to be created.

South Lanarkshire Council came up with the proposal in response to requests from families to formally recognise the efforts of those who have died since 1945.

The memorial will sit alongside the current cenotaph in Bothwell Road Park, with space to include more than 140 names.

So far, 27 names have been accepted, all of whom died in service from 1945 to 2011 and the council is now seeking additional nominations.

The servicemen and women will be inscribed on the memorial, at a formal opening and unveiling ceremony at the end of the month, where all names will be read out as part of a ‘roll of honour’.

The new cenotaph will also be included in the annual Remembrance Service in November.

The council said extensive discussions took place with a number of groups and individuals to ensure that the new memorial was as inclusive as possible, including the Royal British Legion (Scotland), The War Memorial Trust, The Scottish Bereavement Benchmarking Group and the families themselves.

Councillor Hamish Stewart, chairman of the community services committee, said: “It is with great pride that I welcome this proposal which will provide a lasting memorial to those young men and women who have died in service since 1945.”

To nominate a service person from South Lanarkshire for inclusion on the new memorial, contact Bereavement Services on 0303 123 1016.

Meanwhile, a fundraising night is being held to raise funds for a memorial for servicemen with links to Rangers who lost their lives in the First World War.

The Cooper Suite at Ibrox Stadium is hosting a Q&A session with former players Alex Rae and Hugh Burns on November 4 at 7pm.

To buy tickets go to www.club1872.co.uk/news/rangers-war- memorial-event/