A retired parish priest is urging Oxford City Council to erect a plaque in honour of conscientious objectors.

Canon David Partridge is a graduate of Balliol College and a Canon Emeritus of Portsmouth Cathedral.

Since arriving in Oxford in August 2001, he has campaigned frequently on peace issues.

Canon Partridge, a spokesman for the Oxford Network for Peace and Justice, based at the Friends' Meeting House in St Giles, wrote to the council in February urging it to help him find a location for the stone plaque.

But he received no reply, and earlier this month he lobbied councillors again.

Canon Partridge told them: "The purpose of our proposal is not to cause offence or to undermine the tradition of honouring those who have died in conflict in the service of their country.

"Our purpose is to show respect for those who, often at great personal cost, have searched their consciences and found themselves unable to serve their country in a military capacity during wartime. Many of these conscience searchers choose to contribute services in other ways, through the ambulance and support agencies."

Canon Partridge said he thought the stone plaque could be placed on or near the pavement outside the Friends Meeting House in St Giles, or at Carfax. The plaque would be funded privately.

Canon Partridge added: "This is a controversial matter, especially in the light of the current international situation but not altogether inappropriate for this enlightened city of dreaming spires and its tradition of social, humanitarian and political action."

A similar plaque for conscientious objectors has been erected in Tavistock Square, London.

The Lord Mayor of Oxford Gill Sanders has referred the proposal to the council's chief executive, Marion Headicar, for consideration.