An alternative has been mooted for a new £20,000 Burnham landmark after concerns were raised over a delayed project the town “hadn’t chosen”.

Maldon District Council plans to build the sculpture trail in Burnham’s Riverside Park.

It was set to be completed in March, but has been delayed after the council decided to look at the plan again.

But now Burnham Town Council has backed another option put forward by councillor Nick Skeens.

Mr Skeen’s idea for an observatory at the town’s sunset point was originally shortlisted last year.

The town council has voted to ask the district council to reconsider the sculpture trail and adopt Mr Skeens proposal.

Speaking at a meeting last week, Vanessa Bell, said: “I wanted to get people’s opinions on whether we really want a sculpture trail or whether we want an oyster shell in the little beach or whether we would like sunset point.”

Ms Bell said she was concerned the town would end up with something “we haven’t chosen and residents haven’t chosen.”

The outdoor observatory would show 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 schools, and would promote the views around Burnham.

Mr Skeens said: “It was the idea of a sort of mini observatory down at what we call sunset point.

“It would be educational, it would be a place for children and schools to visit to learn about the tides, it would be a couple of information boards, possibly linked to the town council website, which would explain what you are looking at.”

The plans also include a brass rail, with markers on, to show where the sun sets throughout the year.

Mr Skeens added: “It is notched all the way along so you can predict that night where the sunset and where to watch the sunset.

“It is quite fascinating and gives you a sense of where you are.”

In February last year Maldon District Council put forward proposals for a 21-metre sailing mast to be placed in Riverside Park using the money.

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

The sculpture trail was chosen last July, but work has yet to start on the scheme.

While Riverside Park is owned by the district council, it does not own the land at sunset point.

Richard Holmes, director of customers & community said: “The planned Riverside Woodland & Sculpture Trail project was chosen from ideas submitted by the local community, by the council’s community services committee, in consultation with Burnham Town Council.

"The delivery of this is planned to start later in 2018, with tree planting and pathway improvements.

“We have yet to be formally contacted by Burnham Town Council in regards to their change in preference.

"Such a request would be duly considered in line with wider plans for the park.”