A MP has called for a rethink of plans to commemorate Newhaven's links with a “deceased Communist dictator”.

A competition is currently underway for a new monument to former Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh.

The Vietnamese nationalist movement leader worked as a pastry chef on the Newhaven to Dieppe ferry after the First World War.

But Lewes MP Maria Caulfield has questioned whether the links to the despot require any further commemoration.

She wrote to Newhaven Town Council after receiving correspondence from residents “hostile” to the idea.

She said: “While it is a laudable aim to want to promote international co-operation and friendly relations with other countries, I do not believe that given the importance of using money to regenerate the area that a statue of a deceased Communist dictator should be a priority for the town council."

Mayor Steve Saunders said the project had potential to further cultural and tourism links with the Asian country and that any memorial will not be paid for by local taxpayers.

The link with the Vietnamese leader is already marked in the town with a banner in West Quay and a small statue was unveiled at the Newhaven museum in 2013.

A design competition for the statue was announced earlier this year but the town council say they have not heard from the Vietnamese embassy since.

It was mooted that the statue should be in place this year to mark the 125th anniversary of his birth.

Coun Saunders said: “I am conscious of the depth of feeling held by some residents regarding the Vietnam War and the atrocities that occurred on all sides during the conflict.

“I am sure that these will be properly addressed and considered during any discussions, before any memorial is proposed and in the assessment of the application to be sited in Newhaven.

“Vietnam is now a peaceful country that has learned from its own history and is benefitting from increased tourism, following years of conflict and having previously had to endure French rule.”

Coun Saunders added that it was important for the town to consider the potential of all tourism and cultural links with other countries.

He said issues around the proposal would be considered through the planning process.