A FUNDRAISING page has been set up to help bring a permanent First World War memorial to Little Totham.

The village’s parish council agreed at a meeting last week that due to the hugely positive feedback from the introduction of a plywood soldier a Just Giving page would set up to fund a permanent, aluminum statue.

Maldon District Council have installed several soldier statues across the district to be displayed for 100 days up until Remembrance Day in November, to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Richard Siddall, chairman of Little Totham Parish Council, said the village was keen for a full-time memorial.

He said: “We had very positive feedback about the Tommy in the common. Currently, the village doesn’t have a permanent war memorial, the only thing we do have is featured in a stain glass window in the church.

“At our meeting last week we decided that because so many residents like the plywood soldier we would agree as a council to put some money forward and fundraise the rest to purchase and install an aluminum model.

“I really love it, it’s a wonderful tribute to those who gave up their lives to allow us to live our lives as we do today.”

It is estimated the aluminum model would cost £625 to purchase, and the council plan to install it on a heavy, grounded base to keep it in place to protect it from thieves and vandals.

The fundraising page was set up on Wednesday with the aim of raising £650, and has so far raised more than £50.

Mr Siddall added: “We thought we’d set £650 as the target to allow for costs to ensure it would be secure and stable, we’d really love it to be installed near the village sign for people to see as they come through here.

“We have a very active and passionate community in Little Totham and we hope people can get behind this to deliver a memorial the village can be proud of.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/little-totham-war-memorial.