THE mayor of Margate is asking townsfolk to send him names of loved ones killed in conflicts since 1945 to be commemorated on a new memorial.

Cllr Ted Watt-Ruffell is asking residents to get involved in an extension to the war memorial in Trinity Square which will include members of the armed forces who have died in wars since 1945.

It is believed to be the first of its kind in the country to acknowledge those who have fallen up to the present day.

Cllr Watt-Ruffell, who served in the Royal Marines for six years, said: “It is important to show recognition to those men and women who lost their lives in more recent conflicts. We’re seeking public opinion as to the style this will take – whether it is an addition to the existing memorial, a completely new memorial or a plaque in an appropriate location.”

There are currently hundreds of names on the war memorial remembering those who died in the Second World War and one name has been added by someone keen to remember a family member who fell in the Northern Ireland conflict in 1984. The current plan is to add two plinths to the current monument, which could include 60 extra names.

Margate Civic Society is supporting the project and will provide research and contacts to ensure everyone from Margate gets their name on the monument.

Cllr Watt-Ruffell, whose son Grantley is serving with the Royal Logistics Corps in Afghanistan, added: “Once we have a clear view of what the public would like, we will then move on to phase two which will involve costing the project.

“The memorial was paid for by public donation and we will be asking the people of the borough to assist us with the fundraising.”

If you want to remember a loved one and have their name on the memorial email their name, age and where they were from to Cheryl Ezekiel, Mayor’s Parlour, Old Town Hall, Market St, Margate CT9 1EU or email cheryl@margate.org.uk.