Locals will erect a plaque in tribute to Hersham punk rockers Sham 69 despite its controversial lead singer admitting to a caution for indecent assault.

The work of frontman Jimmy Pursey will be honoured along with band members Dave Parsons, Rick Goldstein, Dave Tregenna, Albie Slider and Mark Cain.

Their 70s hit Hersham Boys which contained memorable refrain "Hersham Boys, Hersham Boys, laced-up boots and corduroys" is credited with putting the town on the map.

Plans by Hersham Residents' Association (HRA) to erect the plaque were put on hold last month after it emerged police cautioned Pursey in 2002 after he admitted he was involved in an incident in a Weybridge newsagents with a 16-year-old girl when he forcibly kissed her on the mouth an incident which left her so traumatised she left her job.

Pursey said the incident was exaggerated and added the plaque should be more about the music than the person behind it.

Since a meeting of HRA last week, members and locals have come up with the cash to fund the £300 plaque.

The plaque will go outside the Waterman's Arms in Hersham Green and will be in place in the next three months.

Andy Pinnick, chairman of Hersham Residents' Association, said: "Some of the people in Hersham have known Jimmy throughout his life.

"He is a little bit impulsive and over the top but he is not malicious.

"His behaviour was inappropriate and we are not condoning it but there needs to be an element of understanding.

"There is more to him than the negative headlines." Pursey recently beat more than 600 entrants to win Virgin Radio's competition to write the unofficial song for the England football team for the World Cup finals in Germany.

His single, which will raise cash for the Teenage Cancer Trust, will be recorded later this month and released to coincide with the start of the tournament in June.

hhusbands@london.newsquest.co.uk