IPSWICH could soon have a second war memorial in memory of members of the armed forces killed in battle since the Second World War, it was revealed today.

IPSWICH could soon have a second war memorial in memory of members of the armed forces killed in battle since the Second World War, it was revealed today.

Ipswich Borough Council has begun discussions on the proposal with the Royal British Legion and a number of other organisations which represent service men and women in the town.

The groups want to recognise those who have died in conflicts ranging from Korea to the Falklands and, more recently, Afghanistan whose names are currently not remembered on a memorial in the town.

While the discussions are said to be in the early stages, Christchurch Park, which houses the cenotaph bearing the names of First World War and Second World War casualties, is the most likely location for the new memorial.

A borough council spokesman said: “We're talking to the Royal British Legion about finding a suitable memorial to bear the names of the dead from conflicts post World War Two whose names are not included on the cenotaph.

“There's obviously a lot of consultation to happen.”

Robin Vickery, chairman of the Ipswich branch of the Royal British Legion and a borough councillor for Castle Hill ward, said there was widespread support for the idea.

“These are people who have never been commemorated,” he said.

“We also need to make provisions so that any other names can be added in the future.

“We would really like to get something in place by Remembrance Day next year.”

One of those whose names would be included on the memorial would be 19-year-old Aaron McClure, of Marlow Road, who became Ipswich's latest casualty of war when he was killed in Afghanistan in August.

The groups will also search for a full list of victims from conflicts including Korea, Vietnam, the Falklands, the Gulf War and Iraq.

Martin Memory, a veteran of the Falklands and Gulf wars and a Suffolk police sergeant, backed the idea.

He said: “I think it is a good idea. There's been lots of conflicts from the Korean war onwards.

“I would really appreciate whatever offering could be made to recognise people killed in recent conflicts.”

The Korean Veterans' Association Ipswich and districts branch has lobbied for a memorial to bear the names of local serviceman who died in that conflict for several years.

n Do you support the idea of a new war memorial? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk