THE removal of a bench with memorial plaques on has left one family ‘very upset’ after their favourite seat that comes with ‘lots of special memories’ was removed and replaced by a ‘horrible’ concrete one - without the plaques.

Located on Portland Bill, the bench had been there many years complete with a plaque in memory of Stanley Francis since 2005.

His family would often visit the spot and reminisce about past times with Mr Francis, then last year his wife Peggy Francis also died and a plaque in her name was added.

Dorset Echo: Anne Fripp on the memorial bench. Anne Fripp

Now both plaques have been removed along with the bench and replaced with a concrete seat, which doesn’t reference either Mr or Mrs Francis.

Their daughter Ms Fripp said: “It’s terribly upsetting to see that it had gone, the whole family is devastated.

“It’s very upsetting because of the special memories there not just for me but their grandchildren and great grandchildren who always go to 'grandad's bench' when they’re down.”

Originally from Birmingham the family own a caravan at Littlesea Holiday Park and often visit Dorset, each time making sure they visit the bench.

Ms Fripp was informed by letter that the bench would be removed but was not offered the chance to have the plaques on the new seat.

She added: “They have been replaced with horrible concrete benches which look like they have already been vandalised and chipped, there is even a chunk missing."

Dorset Echo: The new bench up at Portland Bill. Picture: Anne Fripp

The bench is one of five benches on Common land at Portland Bill, which the council handed over to the Court Leet in July.

A spokeperson for the Court Leet said: "All five of the 15 year memorial agreement terms had previously expired and each of the families had been officially notified in writing by the Town Council in September 2020.
"Two of the benches were in poor and potentially dangerous condition with badly corroded metalwork caused by the harsh marine environment. These benches were removed just over a month ago and their plaques returned to the Town Council. 
"They were replaced with new stone seats made from Portland Whitbed which is Jurassic in age. This natural limestone is packed full of oyster shells which makes it highly durable and in some ways provides an interesting link between the seashore 150 million years ago and the modern seashore seen at the Bill today. 
"The seats are naturally rustic and have not been vandalised as stated. It is thought that the stone will weather over the coming Winter and in time the seats will look as though they are part of the natural landscape.
"The new stone seats have plaques reciting short extracts from "Sea Fever" by John Masefield to reflect the thoughts of people who come to Portland Bill from near and far to sit and watch the sea and listen to the sound of the running tide."