A ROADSIDE memorial will need to be reduced in size in order to comply with council policy, it has been decided.

The subject memorial is located along Gottwald Road, in Williamstown, and is in honour of 33-year-old father of two John McAlpine, who died in a motor vehicle accident at the site, in February.

Last week, Barossa Council’s elected members moved a motion requesting changes to the memorial, to bring it in line with council’s Memorials on Community Land Policy and in response to concerns raised by nearby property owners.

Formal notice has been given to Mr McAlpine’s family to reduce the size of the cross, currently 1.8 metres high, to one-square-meter and to remove a bench seat from the site, by the end of June.

“…despite best endeavours and the handling of this matter in a compassionate and flexible manner to achieve an outcome acceptable to all parties, officers have been unable to secure an agreed outcome,” councillors moved.

According to a staff report, nearby residents have expressed their sympathy and empathy for Mr McAlpine’s family and friends but view the current memorial as inconsiderate of the impacts on them.

The family have previously moved the cross two meters back from the roadside and removed a metal star dropper from the site.

“Suggestions made to the family to reduce the size of the memorial cross and remove other items such as the wheel have not been agreed or carried out,” the report states.

“The memorial cross does not therefore, comply with the policy and neither does the bench. Officers recommend that the policy should now be enforced.”

This matter is the first time the policy has been tested since its adoption, in September, last year.