AN ICONIC mosaic from the 1950s will be moved inside a new 17-storey block of flats, if developers are given the green light.

But campaigners are now urging the council to step in and make sure the abstract mosaic, on Market Square in Basildon town centre, will stay outside for all to appreciate.

The Twentieth Century Society has launched a campaign to protect the mosaic – created by Geoffrey Clarke in the 1950s – despite plans to build 492 flats where it currently stands.

The major development comes as part of the Basildon town centre regeneration, but historians insist part of its history should remain intact.

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Coco Whittaker, from the society, said: “It has been expertly composed and skilfully executed, and it survives in excellent condition. 

“While we are not opposed to its relocation, we would urge that it is not placed in a private atrium but mounted somewhere public in the town centre so it can continue to be enjoyed by everyone, as originally intended. 

“We also request that great care is taken to remove and transport the work to ensure it is not damaged in the process.”

As part of the huge development plans, submitted by Orwell, the building would replace the Moon on the Square pub, a Greggs, Subway, and a Lloyds bank.

If the plans go ahead, the mosaic, sculpted as part of the construction of Basildon New Town, would be moved into the reception area of the flats building.

Vin Harrop, a historian from Billericay, joined the calls to keep the mosaic on show, adding: “It’s part of Basildon’s history. They’re knocking down most of the town centre. Can’t they keep part of the past in the future?

“The mosaic is under-appreciated.

“The town centre is changing, at least keep this so the youth of tomorrow can see what the old Basildon was like.

“It’s part of our heritage.It’s weathered the storms of 50 years, and it can do so again.”

Basildon Council was contacted for comment.