Readers have expressed anger over an act of 'mindless vandalism' on a Nottingham bench inspired by the Ricky Gervais Netflix series Afterlife.
The bench was installed in Highfields Park in January last year but was recently vandalised and removed - it is the second incident on one of the benches in Nottingham - with the other at the Arboretum. It was meant for those who have recently lost someone or who may be struggling with their mental health.
After Nottinghamshire Live reported news of the destroyed bench, readers took to Facebook to share their sadness over the vandalism.
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Tammy Graham wrote: “No respect these days.” Michaela Tate added: “Always the minority that spoil it for the majority. Such a shame.”
Another reader, Jackie Farrington, said@ “Do these vandals not realise this bench may be helping someone in their own family.”
Jenifer Joan Smith commented: “Mindless vandalism - should be made to pay for another one.” Sara Dobson said: “so sad.”
The other bench, which is located in the Arboretum, had to be replaced last August after it was left in pieces by vandals. However, due to the fact there are no spares left, Highfields cannot receive a new one.
The city council said it would instead replace it with one of its own, carrying a special plaque to identify it as part of the wider After Life campaign. Eddie Curry, head of public realm at the authority, said: “Residents and park users will understandably be upset and angry about this, and we completely share the sentiment.
“Netflix donated 25 benches to parks across the UK. Nottingham was the only place outside London to receive more than one.
“The original Arboretum bench was vandalised last summer and Netflix very kindly sent us their final spare seat shortly afterwards," added Mr Curry. “Given there are no more left, we will now replace the Highfields one with a council bench carrying a special plaque to identify it as part of the wider After Life campaign.
“The fact that two have now been destroyed by vandals is so disappointing. We have taken steps at Highfields recently to prevent vehicles being driven on to the park with bollards put in place, and we’ll look again here to see if there’s anything we can do to further increase security.”
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