CAMPAIGNERS are calling for a purpose-built museum in Southend’s Priory Park to house the Saxon King remains.

The Saxon King in Priory Park group has called Southend Council’s plans to build a new museum in the cliffs area for the remains as “utter stupidity”.

Instead, it wants a Saxon Great Hall and Village to be built at the council’s works depot, in the northern side of Priory Park, near Prittle Brook.

Previously, it wanted the remains to be displayed at Prittle-well Priory museum, in the park.

Committee member Mark Sharp said: “The council depot is on brownfield land, so you don’t need to remove trees or a single blade of grass. It’s 90 seconds from the burial site itself and is exactly the right size and shape. It’s ideal.”

A statement by the commitee said: “Heritage experts have ridiculed the seafront project, describing the idea of breaking the connection between the treasures and burial chamber by placing them on the seafront with the kiss-me-quick hats, as ‘madness’.

“The alternative proposal for a Saxon Great Hall and Village, experts categorically agree, is far more viable and desirable.”

The statement also said geological experts, which the group refuses to name because it says it does not have permission to do so, have warned the council the cliff site is “unsuitable for construction” because the ground is too unstable and prone to flooding.

The group also claims the council has plans for a private company to run the museum when built, which the council strenuously denies.

The council says it is waiting to hear whether the project, which it estimates will cost £35million, will be funded using Thames Gateway cash.

Simon Leftley, the council’s corporate director for adult and community services, said: “No discussions whatsoever have taken place about the proposed new museum being run by a private company.

“We are currently looking at ways of funding the new museum project.

“The proposed scheme would provide a tasteful and appropriate setting for the treasures of the Prittlewell Prince in a stunning, state-of-the-art visitor attraction.

“The council is committed to ensuring the Prittlewell Prince’s treasures are returned to Southend and remain here.”