A hyperlocal news website’s bid to install a memorial to a wartime battle between US servicemen on his patch is set to become reality.

Derek Rogerson, who edits the Bamber Bridge Bulletin, has campaigned for an installation in memory of the so-called Battle of Bamber Bridge, an incident during the second World War during which violence flared between white military police officers and black soldiers stationed in the Lancashire town – leaving one dead and seven others injured.

The fight was sparked when officers in command of the US Army regiment operating in the town – all but one of whom were white – came across a group of black soldiers drinking in a pub.

County-wide website Lancs Live has now revealed Derek’s idea will be considered, and an artwork, pictured below, has now been created by artist Tom Cookson to commemorate the battle.

After the officers directed military police to arrest one of the troops, a fracas broke out, later leading to a running battle through the town which continued over several hours.

Derek told Lancs Live the idea behind the memorial was to “remind people of the consequences of racism, bigotry and intolerance – and to show that there is no place for it in a civilised society.”

He added: “I think it’s important to remember that event for all the right reasons – and there were more comments online in favour of it than against.”

Bamber Bridge West councillor Caleb Tomlinson said: “The cost of this would be minimal and it would be a fitting way to mark what was a really important part of Bamber Bridge – and US military – history.

“Far from glorifying war, we should remember that this incident hastened the end of racial segregation in the American military.

““Prior to that point, black troops were black troops and white troops were white troops – and they were totally separate.

“But after the Battle of Bamber Bridge, the generals decided to integrate them all – and it boosted morale amongst the black troops.”