PROPOSALS for a memorial garden for members of the emergency services are being backed by Tendring Council.

Councillor Richard Everett said in the past month two ambulance technicians from Weeley and Harwich died whilst in service.

He wants to create a memorial garden in Tendring to commemorate officers.

Council health and education boss Lynda McWilliams backed the idea at a meeting last week.

Ian Carter, an ambulance technician, is now gauging support across the county for the memorial garden, which would commemorate all those from the blue light services who die in service.

Essex does not have a memorial garden for emergency service workers.

Mrs McWilliams said she could see no reason why Tendring Council could not support such a scheme.

She said: “Our emergency services workers do a fantastic job, day in day out, and I cannot commend them highly enough for that.

“Tragically some lose their life while on active service, whether that is on or off duty – as we sadly know in Clacton all too well as we remember the dedication of PC Ian Dibell.”