A permanent memorial for the victims of the holocaust is to be set up in Royston.

The memorial, which could take the form of a plaque or a tree in the Priory Memorial Gardens, will be used to allow residents to mark the yearly Holocaust Memorial Day, which remembers the victims of the Holocaust, as well as other genocides around the world.

A service was held at the American War Memorial in Royston on January 27 to mark the day.

Members of Royston town council’s finance committee agreed the move at their meeting on Monday.

Royston mayor Cllr Bob Smith said: “The town council has not been consistent in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day. This year I felt we should, but the last time was some three years ago, I believe. I feel if we want to continue regularly commemorating the important day we should have a separate memorial such as a tree or a plaque.”

And Cllr Lynn Berry said: “I agree with Cllr Smith, having it every year is something we should start to do. We commemorate every year in November and I think we should commemorate this every year.

“A plaque would be more substantial and obvious, rather than a tree. I don’t feel the war memorial is an appropriate place to hold the service.”

The council will now hold discussions with North Herts District Council as to where the new memorial could be placed in the gardens. Once this has been determined, the form the memorial takes will be finalised.

Cllr Peter Burt said: “I’m not sure a tree is the right thing, I much prefer the idea of a plaque. It will mean we have a focal point for people to gather for Holocaust Memorial Day.”

What do you think? Should Royston have a permanent memorial for victims of the Holocaust? And in what form? Email postbag@royston-crow.co.uk