PEOPLE are being urged to get involved with a campaign to get a war memorial built in Thundersley.

The vicar of St Peter’s Church kicked off the campaign last month and has now gathered about 1,000 signatures on a petition.

The reverend Marian Sturrock and Councillor Bill Dick are now urging residents to join the campaign through donations and putting ideas forward for where the memorial will be placed.

Mr Dick, who represents St Peter’s Ward, has put forward a motion asking for Castle Point Council’s support at a meeting tonight.

He said: “Thundersley covers such a vast area and the village is in need of a memorial commemorating war heroes from various conflicts.

“The fact Thundersley doesn’t have its own memorial was highlighted more because of the 100 year anniversary of the First World War.

“But now we need residents to get involved with the particulars. This includes deciding where the memorial will go.”

The Reverend Sturrock believes a possible location for a memorial is Dark Lane car park, which is where residents used to lay flowers, next to a wooden cross, which has since been taken down. She said: “The Dark Lane car park would be a good location as this is where people used to remember war heroes in Thundersley, but nothing is set in stone.

“The campaign is being completed on behalf of residents and we need as many as possible to get involved.

“The amount of support has been great and we have already received a few offers for donations, but we can’t take anything until the planning permission is sorted out. As soon as this has been ticked off, donations will be very welcome.”

A public meeting is being held at the White Hart Pub, in Hart Road, Thundersley, at 11am today and Mr Dick will be appealing for help during a full council meeting this evening.