COUNCILLORS are hoping to save money to build a commemorative bandstand to mark the end of the First World War.

The budget for First World War commemorations in Witham has been halved for next year.

Witham Town Council held a community committee meeting to discuss budgeting.

It was announced the budget for the First World War commemorations has gone from £1,000 to £500.

The town council said it was because next year's event will be more 'low key', due to there being a one-off drumhead service in July this year.

The working group, which is made up to town councillors and members of the Royal British Legion, said they wanted to save up money for a commemorative bandstand in the park to mark the end of the war.

John Goodman, who is a member of the working group, said: "We are yet to have another meeting of the working group in January.

"The only event to commemorate next year is the Battle of Passchendaele, but we are yet to decide what to do."

The working group will run until 2018- it will be disbanded in November of that year as this marks the end of the First World War.

The council is looking into the idea of building a bandstand in the town's park.

Mr Goodman said: "We will have to look at budgeting and discuss it with Braintree Council as it is their park.

"Nothing is set in stone, it is early days yet.

"It's a lovely idea but it will take a lot to get it into fruition."

The council has held various events to mark poignant moments during the war, including painting a memorial along the River Walk at the end of last year and holding a Somme service which 300 people attended in 2012.