A public debate will take place today over English Heritage's decision to commemorate the stand made by 16 conscientious objectors, who were locked up in a North Yorkshire castle for refusing to fight in the First World War.

The 16 men spent six weeks incarcerated in the keep at Richmond Castle.

When they were eventually released, most returned to live in ignominy in communities across the north. However, attitudes have softened over the years, and when the revitalised Cockpit Garden opened at Richmond Castle in May, English Heritage confirmed 16 topiary shapes would be dedicated to the memory of the 16 prisoners.

Controversy surrounding the decision since then has prompted the Government agency's management to insist the shrubs are not a celebration of the men's refusal to kill, but a reflection of an episode in the castle's history.

There are some who live in the area who are still adamant that the conscientious objectors were no more than cowards and do not deserve to be remembered.

Richmond town councillor David Johnson has persuaded English Heritage to agree to a public meeting within the walls of the new Cockpit Garden at 4.30pm today.

"Management - including regional director David Fraser - have agreed to attend, but would not want it to become a slanging match," he said.

"I simply believe local people were not given an opportunity to have their say on this idea in advance, so I hope they will attend to take part in a constructive debate this weekend."

The meeting coincides with an open day at Richmond Castle, when admission fees will be waived from 10am.

The York Conservation Consortium will demonstrate traditional crafts. English Heritage staff will be available to discuss the organisation's work on the castle

Guides will lead regular tours around the grounds of the ruins, which will echo to period music played live on instruments, which include English bagpipes, the cornetto, the cornamusen and rausepfiele.

Robin in a Nutshell will take visitors on a musical dash through history with the outlaw of Sherwood Forest.