Council 'crazy' for demanding £8k to replace vandalised memorial bench

TORBAY Council has been criticised for attempting to charge £8,000 to replace a memorial bench in Brixham.

- by REPORTING STAFF

Jennie Warren said the bench was installed in Brixham in 2003 after her brother Peter died at the age of 40 and then a plaque for her parents Bill and Lucy was added, the BBC reported.

The bench was removed by Torbay Council when it was vandalised two-and-a-half years ago, athough the concrete foundation it was set on remains.

Ms Warren, 76, said she had now been told a replacement bench would cost her £8,000 an amount she branded "crazy" and it would have cost £12,000 if the bench was in Torquay.

The council said it offered a range of memorial bench options and its policy ensured a bench's "longevity and maintenance".