But now the monument is at the centre of an extraordinary row over who is responsible for it, as well as for other important public assets in the town.

The argument has seen Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council, send a fiery letter to Cromer Town Council, accusing it of trying to “offload” its responsibility for the memorial.

He also claimed Cromer Town councillors want to cherry-pick the town's most valuable assets for themselves to run.

And in a further twist, his letter also confirmed that his council would be pulling out of further talks with the town council, saying they could no longer be trusted as a “viable strategic partner”.

The correspondence started: "We have decided to cancel discussions with yourselves in respect of the potential for transfer of public realm assets and properties of historic, economic and social importance to the Town.

"This decision is final and represents the collective view of my Cabinet."

Tim Adams is a councillor for both NNDC and Cromer Town Council (Image: NNDC) Mr Adams, who is also on Cromer Town Council, added: "We have been concerned that Cromer Town Council on the one hand seem very interested in the revenue assets of the District Council, you are simultaneously attempting to offload your........

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