Families told to pay £1,800 to replace park memorial benches for loved ones or they'll be destroyed

Families are facing the heartbreak of seeing the tributes to their families destroyed in a Swansea park.

Relatives are being asked to stump up the £1,800 cost of replacing the memorial benches at Clyne Gardens or they will be got rid of for good.

Council notices have gone up on some of the benches, which sets out that they are looking at the future of the benches.

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Louise Thomas, of Bishopston, said: “Please note these benches at Clyne Gardens are earmarked to be destroyed unless the relatives can come forward and pay for a new bench at the cost of around £1,800.

“If the relatives cannot or are unable to pay this amount Lyndon R. Jones suggested a great idea of removing the plaques and placing them, maybe on a wall within the park, which will allow people to still note their names and love of Clyne Gardens.”

Families are being asked to pay £1,800 to cover the cost of the replacement benches in Clyne Gardens (Louise Thomas)

On the notice from Swansea Council placed on the benches, it said: “The future of this bench is under consideration, unfortunately we have been unable to contact the original adopters of it.”

Benches can be adopted for 10 years under Swansea Council's 'Adopt a Bench' scheme to allow people to support and enjoy the city's parks with their families and offers the chance for people to enjoy the area come rain or shine.

The authority underlines the adoption or donation of a bench is an ideal way to mark an important milestone, event, or to commemorate the life of a loved one or pet.

It is also an opportunity for businesses, organisations or people to donate a new or replacement bench or adopt an existing one and to have a personal place in the city's beautiful gardens.

A number of benches are under threat at the park (Louise Thomas)

The authority has called on families to get in touch with them on 01792 280210 or to email parks.section@swansea.gov.uk

Swansea Labour leader Councillor Rob Stewart said: “Again this is a deliberate misrepresentation. The fact is we don’t just remove benches or act in the way Ms Thomas has suggested.

“There is a process where we contact the family or representatives and discuss what the preference is. We always try to find a acceptable way forward.

“I’m sure our officers have responded with the process that we follow.”