MOVES to honour one of Felixstowe's most famous sons with a statue has won the backing of councillors – but not any public money.The idea has been put forward that the resort should have a statue of actor Sir John Mills, probably its best-known born and bred celeb, who also made his first stage appearance in the town.

MOVES to honour one of Felixstowe's most famous sons with a statue has won the backing of councillors - but not any public money.

The idea has been put forward that the resort should have a statue of actor Sir John Mills, probably its best-known born and bred celeb, who also made his first stage appearance in the town.

Former mayor Malcolm Minns is spearheading the project and wanted the support of fellow councillors before taking the idea any further.

"I think it would be a matter of substantial interest to local residents and those outside the town and a matter of some appeal."

Sir John, now 96, has been told of the idea and is understood to have said he would be honoured if it went ahead.

Councillor Ann Rodwell though told the council's finance and general purposes committee there was some unease in the town about the idea - especially the thought of using cash from the public purse.

She had been lobbied by people who felt the council tax was too high already and there were better ways of spending the money.

Former mayor Doreen Savage said a cheaper way of honouring the actor could be done by placing a blue plaque on the wall of his former home at 9 Gainsborough Road, Felixstowe.

However, these tributes are only permitted in the case of someone who has died.

Should Felixstowe have a statue to Sir John? Who else should the town honour? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk