THURROCK Burma Star Association are a step closer to being granted the Freedom of the Borough despite the majority of Conservatives on Thurrock Council voting against it.
At a meeting of the full council last night, councillor Carl Morris, chairman of the Labour group on Thurrock Council, said he was proud to be bringing the motion forward and asked for “consensus” on the vote.
However, when it came to the vote all the Tories, except councillor Eddie Hardiman and councillor Neil Rockliffe, who both abstained, voted against the motion.
BNP councillor Emma Colgate and Independent councillor John Purkiss both voted for the motion meaning it was carried 22 to 20.
Councillor Morris said: “The Burma Star Association is unique among veterans groups because it’s Tri-Service.
“To qualify as a member, an ex-serviceman, ex-servicewoman or nurse must have been awarded the Burma Campaign Star for service in Burma during World War II.
The Thurrock branch was formed in 1961 and has done great work supporting its members ever since with regular welfare visits and a helping hand when needed.
Councillor Morris added: “It’s a great source of comfort and support for veterans and their families to know the association is always there. As membership is exclusive to those who served in the Burma campaign, the association will eventually cease to exist.”
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