Billericay Town Council is proposing to run a crowdfunding project to rejuvenate the well-loved war memorial.

The idea comes after Basildon Council’s £250,000 funding for Billericay’s High Street public improvement project was scrapped.

The money was to provide lighting for the war memorial, and other projects including replacing street lights and benches and installing LED lamps.

Despite the setback, councillors are determined to ensure one of the town’s most distinguished landmarks gets the improvement it needs.

Chairman of Billericay Town Council, councillor Jim Devlin, said: “When we put the idea out to residents, we were overwhelmed with support. We had some many people offering to donate money for the war memorial straight away.

“We thought this would be a nice way in the lead up to the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. The war memorial was originally built from crowdfunding, so this would be a nice way for our community to chip in again.

“If we go ahead with the crowdfunding, I am confident we can complete the project. We had more than 2,000 people turn up to the war memorial on Remembrance Day.

“We’re determined to see the memorial light up. This means a lot to the community.”

Councillor Marie Dear, representing west ward, said: “It’s a great initiative to illuminate such a stunning part of the town. This is a great chance for business and residents to donate money. We’re a very close community.

“It’s a pity the funding was cancelled, but this is so important to us so we’re looking for funding elsewhere. The war memorial is such an important piece of history in our town.”

While the idea has not materialised yet, residents support their council’s push to improve the town. John Buchanan, chairman of the Billericay Residents’ Association, said: “We think this is a great way to get funding to improve the war memorial.

“We’re running a meeting next month to discuss how the association can support the project. I’m sure the war memorial will look very nice if it lights up. I do hope the council can raise the funds they need.”