CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a crumbling war memorial have accused the council of 'washing its hands' of the monument by refusing to help pay for urgent repairs.

The eye-catching First World War plinth which stands outside St Barnabas church in Woodford Green - may have to be pulled down for safety reasons unless cash can be found to repair its dilapidated wood and stonework.

Deputy church warden Alan Clark has led the campaign to restore the structure - including applying for listed status to English Heritage - but fears the £15,000 needed will not be found in time to save it.

Out of desperation the father-of-two turned to Redbridge Council - which has discretionary powers under an act of Parliament to 'maintain, repair and protect' any war memorial in its district - but was told the authority had 'no budget' to make a contribution.

He said: "There are the names of 57 people on that monument from across this parish which makes this a parish war memorial. It's basically a public monument.

"The council should do its bit to help protect the memory of these people, but instead has simply washed its hands of it.

"When I spoke to a conservation officer about the memorial he just said there was no budget in place to pay for repairs.

"This is really disappointing when you think of the sacrifices they made for us."

Mr Clark has applied for a grant from the War Memorials Trust for the structure - which was designed by eminent Edwardian architect Sir Charles Nicholson - but believes council support is essential to ensure its future.

He said: "It's being held up by scaffholding at the moment. It's in a sorry state."

Local historian Brian Seward, of Churchfields, South Woodford, said the monument - which contains the names of two sets of brothers and winners of the Military Cross, Military Medal and the Distinguished Flying Medal - deserved better treatment.

He said: "Like other parish war memorials this one was built as a timeless symbol of the sacrifice made by dozens of young men from this area.

"Nobody is saying that the council should have to fix everthing, but this is very important to alot of people."

Mr Clark has also called on the people of Wanstead and Woodford to come forward with information about each of the servicemen named on the plaque.

Anyone with information should call the church on: 8504 4687.

The council has yet to comment.