A WAR memorial could be built in Thundersley for the first time to commemorate the 69 residents who lost their lives during the two world wars.

Plans have been drawn up for the solid granite memorial to be put in the walled, raised garden at the entrance to Hart Road car park.

Castle Point Council estimate it will cost £36,000, but a local councillor said it could go into the new memorial garden being built as part of the St Michael’s Church development, in St Michael’s Road, Daws Heath.

Bill Dick, Conservative councillor for St Peter's ward, said: “Is that the place it should be? We will have to wait and see what the people say. It is up to them.”

The plans have been put together by John Rogers, of Oakfield Road, Benfleet, whose grandfather was killed in the First World War.

Last July, Mr Rogers, who was born in Thundersley, called for the area to have its own war memorial and asked councillors and residents to back his plan.

The council responded by coming up with the designs and it will be put before the Thundersley Neighbourhood Meeting tonight.

Castle Point already has four war memorials – two at the Paddocks, on Canvey, one in South Benfleet and one in Hadleigh.

Also, a commemorative plaque is located in the atrium area of the council’s main office. If the plans get the green light, the council will apply to the Veolia Trust for a grant to build the memorial.

It will also speak to the Royal British Legion to see if a new memorial could be included in their annual service.

The Thundersley Neighbour-hood Meeting will be held at Runnymede Hall, Kiln Road, from 7.15pm.