BROMSGROVE’S MP is putting his support behind a campaign for an all-embracing war memorial for the town.

In 2009, the Advertiser reported on how the idea was gathering pace and gaining the backing of townsfolk, following the death of Private Robbie Laws in Afghanistan.

A £50,000 appeal has now been launched by the Bromsgrove Armed Forces Memorial Fund (BAGMF), with the support of the Royal British Legion and the Burma Star Association.

The memorial is proposed to be sited on a plot of land next to the Burma Star, in Crown Close, provided by Bromsgrove District Council.

The Burma Star Memorial is unique in that it is a campaign memorial, honouring soldiers who died fighting the Japanese in the Far East campaign of the Second World War.

The Burma Star is used as the focal point for Remembrance Sunday, but the town has no formal war memorial representing all branches of the armed forces, and all conflicts.

It is hoped the new memorial can be in place for Remembrance Day, 2012.

BAFMF chairman Phil McDermott said: “Such a memorial will act as a focal point where the community can pay its respects.

“We are very grateful for the backing of Sajid Javid, who sees the same need as us for a formal memorial in the town.”

The MP said: “It is exactly what we need as it will enable the town to commemorate everyone who has served in every branch of the services, recognising what they have done for us both in the past and the present.

“Members of my family have served in the armed forces and I know from their own experiences just how big a job it is.“

A black tie ball and auction is to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Bromsgrove on November 25, raising money for the campaign.

Donations to the campaign can be made to Bromsgrove Armed Forces Memorial Fund at NatWest Bank, account number 85130850, sort code 60 04 05.