Council chiefs have “paused” applications for new memorial benches due to being “overwhelmed” by the number of them in parts of the borough.
Hartlepool Borough Council officers said it comes following an audit looking at the amount located in different areas and their condition which took place after concerns were raised by residents.
Memorial bench report
A report noted there are 115 memorial benches on the Headland, 112 on Seaton promenade, 48 in Ward Jackson Park, along with others found in the likes of Seaton Park, Rossmere Park and Burn Valley Gardens.
It added: “The high number of benches in some areas of the town has reached a point where it is not possible to install any more.
“Seaton Carew and the Headland in particular are overwhelmed with benches.
“So much so that you cannot walk between some, and in other cases they obstruct access for pushchairs and wheelchairs. “
Council officers have also raised concerns around the condition of some of the benches and the lack of records available; noting maintenance of each bench is down to the person that paid for its installation.
The local authority has therefore “paused” new applications for memorial benches to “fully understand the current situation and until suitable future arrangements have been agreed”.
A report is to go before the next meeting of the council’s housing, growth and communities committee on Wednesday, March 11, seeking to adopt new measures to address the issue.
Maintenance of current benches
This includes attaching notices to benches in the “worst condition” and asking individuals to get in touch so information can be provided for them to bring the bench up to standard or have it removed.
Should an individual not wish to carry out work to the bench or it is beyond repair, it will be offered back to them or the opportunity given to retain the plaque.
If no individuals come forward claiming ownership the bench and plaque would be removed and stored for “an agreed period and then disposed of”.
Prior to this a communication plan would be agreed to notify the public and “remind those who have purchased benches in the past of the agreement to maintain it”.
The council will also explore alternative options for memorials.
Officers said these could include a different style of bench with space for multiple plaques to be installed, steel “memory trees” where engraved leaves can be purchased and traditional tree planting in public spaces.
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