THE BRIDGE of flowers which became a focal point of grief after the Shoreham Airshow disaster is unlikely to be the the setting for a permanent memorial.

Authorities are opening a consultation with the families of the 11 men who lost their lives and the wider community to select a fitting focal point at which people can reflect upon the tragedy.

But the Grade II* listed structure, Old Tollbridge, which first opened in 1782 and was rebuilt during the First World War, can not be changed or altered because of its protected status.

A temporary memorial arch erected by the county council currently lies at the eastern end of the bridge, but not on the crossing itself.

Instead a multi-stage process is underway to in which the community is being invited to share ideas for a permanent memorial.

According to a council spokesman said: "One idea under consideration is a walk of remembrance, whose route would include the tollbridge."

A shortlist of ideas will be created with the bereaved families this month.

The families of Maurice Abrahams, Dylan Archer, Tony Brightwell, Matthew Grimstone, Matt Jones, Graham Mallinson, Daniele Polito, Jacob Schilt, Richard Smith, Mark Reeve and Mark Trussler are being invited to become a part of a group leading the project, as well as representatives from the wider community.

That group will put together a shortlist in January before three options are suggested to the public next March.

Aaron Marshall suggested on Facebook tribute page an 11-foot tall marble-based statue in the ribbon, in recognition of the memorial ribbons worn in the days after the crash.

He suggested the ribbon element of the statue would be forged of a “environmentally safe long-lasting material,” according to the designer’s suggestion on the social networking site.

To contribute to the consultation, go to shorehamremembers.org, a site which also includes a Book of Condolence which already had over 2,000 signatories.