COUNCIL cash earmarked for a 21 metre tall sailing mast should be spent on a War of the Worlds Martian instead, a new petition claims.

Nick Gilmour, 40, of Sheerwater Close, Burnham, hopes to see a massive Martian rise up in Burnham to attract more tourists to the town.

The petition was launched after Maldon District Council released plans to build the sailing mast in Riverside Park as part of the Dengie Gateway Project. However, Mr Gilmour believes a War of the Worlds inspired Martian sculpture, building on the Dengie’s involvement in the iconic novel, would do far more to bring in visitors than the mast.

He said: “I read about the council’s idea for the mast in the park and I wondered if there was anything that would bring more tourists to the town. I can’t see how the mast is going to get people interested enough to come and visit.

“I have suggested in the past that some sort of sculpture or art installation would really attract people, especially if it was something unique.

“Then one day, the idea of the Martian sculpture came to me. HG Wells wrote about the Dengie in War of the Worlds. He painted quite an eerie image, talking about the Martians rising up over the Crouch. It would be a great tie in to a big claim to fame for the area.”

Wells talked in his book of the invaders marching through Tillingham and wading through the shiny mud of the River Crouch.

Nick added: “The responses I have gotten so far have been really positive. Everyone thinks it is a great idea. The comments on the petition have been great, and last weekend I was by the park and spoke to the people there who seemed keen.

“It would tie in nicely with the book which was released 120 years ago next year. I really hope the council take this idea seriously.”

Richard Holmes, director for community services said “This is certainly an interesting and exciting idea, and I will ask one of our officers to contact the lead petitioner to understand a little more about it.” See the petition at goo.gl/L9NjQB.