A TOURIST information board that maps a number of key historical sites in Ongar is factually inaccurate, according to a local historian.

The map, put up near the Budworth Hall bus shelter by the Ongar Town Forum, identifies a host of historically important local buildings including the Motte and Bailey site, Wren House and the United Reformed Church.

However a quarter of the 12 sites illustrated on the map boast incorrect dates.

According to the plan St Andrew's Church at Greensted was built in the 9th Century. However according to Ongar Millennium History Society president Michael Leach, the church was built in the 11th Century.

Mr Leach also contends that the David Livingstone Cottages, opposite the fire station in the High Street, date back to the 17th Century rather than the 19th Century.

And, according to Mr Leach, St Peter's Church, Shelley, should date back from the 19th Century rather than the 9th Century.

Mr Leach said: "I think with hindsight it would have benefited to have our group review the map and it might have saved an embarrassing error or two."

However Mr Leach said the map, which was officially unveiled by Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles, played an important role in the town's development.

He said: "As a central place for people to satisfy their curiosity and find out more about Ongar it's a good idea."

Ongar Town Forum chairman and Cock Inn publican Ian Goodman said historical society members helped complete the map and blamed typographic errors for the mistakes.

On the board's success, he said: "It's really worked very well, there's always someone looking at it and it has encouraged people to come to the pub."