A town council has launched an outspoken attack on one man's campaign to have Billericay's Second World War memorial listed and protected.

Disputes claims - Ron Capes at the war memorial Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

In its Billericay Town Crier newsletter, Billericay Town Council accused campaigner Ron Capes of "ignoring the democratic process" in applying for listed building status for the memorial.

Last month, Mr Capes successfully applied to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to attain Grade II listed status for the memorial which effectively safeguards it for the future.

The decision came as the town council lodged plans with Basildon Council for a £50,000 renovation of the landmark.

They have now been put on hold since listed building status was agreed.

If the town council wants to press ahead with its revamp, it has to resubmit the proposals because of the war memorial's listed building status which means more scrutiny is needed before any refurbishment plan is approved.

In the newsletter, the council claims to have consulted local residents and acted "in accordance with the democratic process".

They accuse Mr Capes, who is not named in the article, of ignoring this process and acting on his own behalf.

Mr Capes disputed the article's claims, saying: "I would dispute their idea of democracy and have already written a suitable response to the Town Crier which I have challenged the town council to publish in its next edition.

"I have followed the democratic process and consulted with the same groups as they did and I have voiced my opposition to this since began trying to destroy our heritage. I certainly don't think I deserved this childish response."

Published Thursday August 12, 2004

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