10:50am Tuesday 17th August 2010
By Paul Offord
A RENEGADE councillor has complained the ground around Billericay War Memorial is overgrown with weeds.
Town councillor Terence Gandy maintained the site, off Billericay High Street, for two-and-a-half years.
However, he stopped doing it a year ago after council leaders rejected his request for a plaque to be installed on the memorial, in memory of those killed in the London 7/7 bombings, including Carrie Taylor, 24, from Billericay.
He claimed the site has since become overgrown with weeds.
He said: “I’m appalled at the neglect and deterioration that has occurred.
“The flower beds are full of weeds. The plants need dead-heading, and the grass is almost a foot tall in places.
“Weeds are also appearing in the paved area. It is wrong if a town doesn’t keep its war memorial 100 per cent pristine.
“Residents I have met in the High Street, and who used to stop for a chat while I was working, have also commented on this.
“I used to make sure the flower beds were kept clear of weeds, laid down new grass turf and even moved a litter bin from outside the memorial because it was unsightly.
“I got it looking really good, and it upsets me it has now gone downhill.”
John Buchanan, the town council’s vice-chairman, insisted Mr Gandy is mistaken.
He said: “I take people on guided tours around Billericay and always lead people past the memorial because I am proud of it.
“I think it is looking good at the moment.
“The red flowers in the beds are blooming nicely.
“However, if Mr Gandy puts his complaints in writing to the town clerk, then they will be dealt with.”
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