'We will honour our heroes'

5:45pm Monday 12th May 2008

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MILITARY heroes returning from the front line will be honoured in Southend, the council has pledged.

Mayor Gwen Horrigan joined with former mayor Daphne White to announce the council was hoping to hold a parade or ceremony. In a joint letter to the Echo, they say their fathers both served in the Second World War, which helped them understand the importance of honouring returning soldiers.

"The council is always open to suggestions of ways to recognise local military service men and women," the letter says.

They were "exploring the possibility of holding a ceremony or parade, ensuring that the proceedings are in line with what our service men and women and their families would want."

Last week, the Echo revealed the frustration of one soldier's family who claimed not enough was done to recognise the bravery of servicemen and women.

Corporal Robert Moore of the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment recently received the Military Cross, the third highest honour a soldier can receive, at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Cpl Moore, 31, was honoured for his bravery fighting Taleban rebels in Afghanistan last year, despite being shot in the arm. Parents Robert and Lynda Moore of Kings Road, Westcliff, said although their son was recognised many other were not.

Mrs Moore said: "People have not realised we've heard nothing from the council or our MP.

"All they have to do is just send a personal letter to say how sorry they are to hear they have been injured. We have had letters from all over the world but not a thing from Southend Council or our local MP."

Parades to honour returning soldiers are held in Brentwood, Colchester, Chelmsford and Thurrock, but not Southend.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft said: "We are working on ideas for holding a ceremony of some kind for returning soldiers, but have no definite plans available yet.

"However, we welcome the interest being shown in this matter and we will be very keen to seek the support of the public and media to make the event as fitting and as big a success as possible."

The announcement pleased Private Matthew Woollard, 19, who lost a leg after stepping on a landmine in Afghanistan a year ago, while on duty with the Royal Anglian Regiment's First Battalion.

Pte Woollard, of Mendip Crescent, Westcliff, said: "I think it will be really good as it will give the people some well deserved recognition.

"A parade is great as it always gets local people cheering, while a ceremony gives dignitaries the chance to talk to the blokes."

David Amess, MP for Southend West, said MPs were not informed of constituents in active service nor who have been injured or killed. He said he would raise the issue in Parliament.

He added: "I would also like to invite these people into the House of Commons, to introduce them to one of the Defence Ministers."

Mr Amess has now contacted Cpl Moore's family and hopes to meet him when he returns home for a short break over the May bank holiday weekend. He will also make contact with Pte Woollard.