IT seems astonishing that Robert Clark's family have had to wait more than 50 years for his name to go on Great Harwood's cenotaph.

He was serving with the Royal Marines when he died after being shot following a patrol during the Malaya campaign against communist guerillas in 1951.

Administrative confusion because of the fact that he was a victim of what today would be called 'friendly fire' may explain why his death wasn't initially recorded alongside others who gave their lives in the two World Wars.

Although it's difficult to work out why so many decades have passed with victims of other conflicts like the Falklands campaign joining the roll of honour while Robert Clark was effectively forgotten.

But since the omission came to their attention last year the British Legion has made Hyndburn Council well aware of their feelings and pressed for the necessary work to be carried out.

Coun Brian Walmsley now publicly acknowledges that it is important that Robert Clark's sacrifice - the ultimate sacrifice - should be officially recognised.

But he says it cannot be done before the new accounting year begins in April because of the council's dire financial position. The British Legion has been told putting the name on the memorial is categorised as "unnecessary work."

Insensitive bureaucratic nonsense. This wrong must be put right immediately.