And as new installations and refurbishments began there was an appeal for people who may be related to Dambusters hero Sgt Richard Bolitho.

A memorial plaque is due to be dedicated to the rear gunner who served with the newly formed and secretive 619 Squadron. He and his crew were killed when their Lancaster bomber crashed en route to breach the dams of the Ruhr valley in May 1943. The aim was to wipe out Germany's arms manufacturing capabilities. He was 23.

He had moved to Kimberley with parents William and Jane from their home in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland and, aged about eight, lived with his aunt, Emily Bolitho at 11 James Street. She ran a fruit and vegetable shop on Main Street. Richard attended Church Hill School.

Nottinghamshire County Councillor Ken Rigby, who represents Kimberley and Trowell, said: "Restoration of the Kimberley War Memorial is a very special project that means a lot to the local community as it symbolises people's heritage.

"A plaque in memory of Sergeant Richard Bolitho, a Lancaster bomber crew member who lost his life in World War II whilst taking part in the famous Dambuster raid, has been commissioned.

"We cannot trace members of his family but if there is anyone who is related to the late Sgt Bolitho, I would like them to get in touch with me to attend this year's war memorial service."

The war memorial, which was built in 1921, will be refurbished by Nottinghamshire County Council's Building Better Communities initiative and Local Transport Plan (LTP) in partnership with The Kimberley Regeneration Group.

New paving, lighting, seating and bins will be put around the memorial as part of the scheme. A new interpretation board detailing the history of the memorial and Kimberley town centre will also be installed.

Work will last approximately eight weeks and is scheduled to end in early November in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Temporary traffic lights were installed at the mini roundabout next to Sainsbury's for use during off-peak hours, for approximately three weeks.

Cllr Chris Baron, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, added: "This flagship scheme, which involves the restoration of the war memorial and the Nine Corners Wall, is a fine example of Nottinghamshire County Council working in partnership with Broxtowe Borough Council, Kimberley Town Council and local businesses."

The Nine Corners Wall restoration project will take place later this year.