A SHORTLIST of four plans has been drawn up as Burnham Town Council looks to spend £20,000 on a special landmark for the town.

Dozens of residents put forward ideas suggesting how the money should be spent.

Maldon District Council had put forward proposals for a 21 metre sailing mast to be placed in Riverside Park as part of the Dengie Gateway Project.

But residents and councillors questioned the scheme, prompting the council to withdraw the application and invite residents to put forward their own ideas.

More than 30 proposals were put forward, including one for a War of the Worlds inspired Martian sculpture, building on the Dengie’s involvement in the iconic novel.

This suggestion was rejected.

From the responses received, the council shortlisted four to be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday.

The first of the four projects is a pathway to paradise and Burnham maritime mile.

A report about the idea states: “A combination of two interesting ideas that would include improvement works to the sea wall path around Riverside Park and the installation of a number of heritage plaques.

“Improvements to the sea wall path would include surface improvements and floor level solar lighting. This would create an attractive evening promenade between the marina and the town.”

It is estimated the cost of the project would be £26,000 and would be completed by March.

The second project is the Riverside Woodland and Sculpture Trail, which would aim to create a sustainable community woodland in Riverside Park.

Within the woodland there would be a sculpture trail involving works from local artists, and it would also provide opportunities for community planting with schools.

The plan would take be completed by March and cost around £20,000.

Another shortlisted idea is the Burnham Oyster, a large sculpture that would be installed in the park.

It is hoped the oyster would provide a novel visitor attraction, reflecting the heritage of the town, and could be installed by March for around £19,800.

The final plan on the shortlist is the Burnham Observatory, which would be located at Sunset Point.

It would be an outdoor observatory showing the changing path of the sun and explain the effect of sun and moon on the tides.

The idea would provide a visitor attraction, educational tool for local schools, and would promote the views around Burnham.

It is believed it would cost £15,500 to install, and would be completed by February.

The four ideas are set to be presented to the community services committee.

Richard Holmes, director for customers and community, said “The council would like to thank the dozens of people who took the time to submit their ideas for Riverside Park.

“The submissions ranged from heritage to art and retail to astronomy. While we can only really pursue one as part of the Dengie Gateway Project, the council has carefully considered all the ideas.”