Council to look again at 'extortionate' bench fees

TORBAY Council has been accused of exploiting the grief of bereaved families for financial gain after increasing the price of memorial benches around the bay.

- GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter

Now, councillors have agreed to look again at the controversial price rise after being told the policy was 'morally indefensible'.

The latest tariff for benches in the bay includes prices which outstrip those charged by neighbouring councils. Opponents have also highlighted the fact that Torbay charges more for a memorial bench than the London borough of Westminster.

However, the man who drew up the new tariff, Cllr Adam Billings (Con, Churston with Galmpton) said the bay's prices and locations should not be compared with other South Devon councils or Westminster because circumstances in the bay were very different.