Veterans who want to install the Vernon monument at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth have been told the city council has no objections.

Now members of the project team have stepped up their fundraising efforts to install the bronze display.

It has been designed by sculptor Les Johnson and pays tribute to the mine warfare and diving heritage at Gunwharf, which was the site of the old HMS Vernon,

Project manager David Carey said: 'We are delighted to have reached this important milestone.

'It brings us one step closer to achieving our final goal of installing a monument to honour the historic and current contribution of the navy's mine warfare and diving communities.'

A letter to the Vernon group on behalf of the planning committee said: 'The proposed bronze statue will represent an attractive addition to the prominent Vernon Basin at the western end of the water feature through Gunwharf Quays.'

Project Vernon now has three years to start building, with permission expiring in March 2013.

The cost of the statue has been put at around £100,000.

Mr Carey said: 'It's important that we commemorate all those people involved in operations and training that took place in this historic site, over many decades.

'Our fundraising efforts continue apace. We are confident of raising the sums needed, through voluntary donations and other fund raising activities, and to have the monument on display before March 2013.'

Information about the campaign, including artist impressions, will be on display at Gunwharf Quays during the Sea Cadets Corps 150th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2.

For more visit vernon-monument.org

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