A FORMER soldier, who brokered a meeting to debate a memorial to 16 conscientious objectors, has confirmed he will be taking no further action.

An open day held at Richmond Castle at the weekend was the first since the Cockpit Garden reopened to the public in May.

English Heritage agreed the event could be used to discuss the controversial topiary feature created from 16 shrubs, meant to commemorate men imprisoned in the castle keep in 1916 for refusing to fight in the First World War.

On Saturday, English Heritage regional director, David Fraser, and garden designer Neil Swanson, were among those to defend the design.

Richmond town councillor David Johnson, who prompted the debate, told the 70 people who attended that, in his view, it would have been better if the topiary had been dedicated to people who had made their mark on the town's history in other ways.

However, most of those who spoke appeared to favour English Heritage's choice and, on Tuesday, Mr Johnson said he would be letting the matter lie.

"I had thought of a petition but I'm no longer convinced it would serve any purpose," he said.

"I was sorry to see some veterans shake their heads in silence during parts of the discussion, but I have led what I hope was an honourable opposition.

"I would also emphasise that I admire and respect all those who had their say about what they believe at the weekend."

English Heritage has always said the topiary does not glorify or celebrate the stand made by the conscientious objectors, who were tried by courts martial in France and sent to prison for cowardice until their release in 1919.

On Saturday, Mr Fraser said the living memorial was meant as nothing more than a reminder of a chapter in the history of Richmond Castle.