A councillor intends to use public money to buy a haunting tribute to fallen British Service men and women.

Abbots Langley Councillor, Sara Bedford, will use part of her county council Locality Budget to purchase a six-foot tall aluminium “Tommy” figure to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Cllr Bedford said she was struck by the “simplicity and starkness” of the statue used for the “There, but not there” campaign, and she hopes to tour the icon around schools and other venues across Abbots Langley before it is finally installed near the War Memorial before this year’s Remembrance Day service.

Watford Observer:

The six-foot-high metal silhouette of a First World War soldier weighs 11kg, has a small hole on the chest for a poppy and costs £750.

Cllr Bedford said: “I’d like the figure to visit various venues across Abbots Langley, especially local schools, before taking its place near the War Memorial before this year’s Remembrance Day service. 

“I think the starkness and lack of sentimentality of the figure brings home the simple fact that these were ordinary people who left their village to fight for their country and in many cases didn’t come home or returned wounded in mind or body.

She added: “I’ve discussed this with the local Vicar and Churchwardens, as the War Memorial is on church land, and received huge support online from local residents.”

Watford Observer:

After a seemingly “positive” online response from the public, Cllr Bedford said she is now considering purchasing two figures.

The money raised through the sale of the Tommies will be split between six charities supporting ex-servicemen, including Combat Stress, Help for Heroes and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.