A CAMPAIGN has been launched to get a war memorial built in Thundersley.

The vicar of St Peter’s Church is at the head of the drive in the village after years of support from the congregation.

The Rev Marian Sturrock has already gathered more than 100 names for a petition, and says the next step is to approach the council for help.

Ms Sturrock said: “I’ve drawn up a simple memorial and I’m going to take it and ask the council for permission.

“We believe there is a need here to remember our fallen and have started the ball rolling. This is a petition drawn up by St Peter’s on behalf of the good people of Thundersley. I’m a voice for them.

“Hopefully, if the council agree, then they will offer to put one there.”

She said there was a lot of excitement building in the village adding: “Everywhere I’ve gone people have said yes.

“The same people say there is a memorial in Benfleet and Hadleigh, but they want one in their own village.

“It’s a shame there isn’t anywhere for people to focus their remembrance on.”

Until two years ago, residents laid flowers near a wooden cross in Dark Lane car park, which has since been taken down.

To mark the centenary of the First World War, Ms Sturrock, said it seemed appropriate to have a memorial in the village.

She said: “People in the village have been on at me every year to do something and, as it’s 100 years since the start of the First World War, this is the year to do something.

“We have a petition and it has got a very positive response.”

If the memorial goes ahead, it is hoped it will become a focal point for the village.

Ms Sturrock said: “We are hoping for a simple memorial, more of an obelisk really, saying ‘we will remember them’ to cover every conflict there has been. Anyone can use it to remember a loved one.”

Bill Dick, councillor for St Peter’s ward, backs plans for a memorial, but said talks needed to take place to finalise the location.

He said: “I’m all in favour of a simple memorial, but the question is where shall we put it? It needs to meet the needs of everyone. We will need to agree on where we are going to put it.”