Bench dedication plaques

Unfortunately not. The bench remains a public bench, which must be fully available for public seating. No other items are permitted to be placed on, or attached to, public benches. This is to prevent the area taking on the ambience of a dedicated memorial garden which may compromise the enjoyment of the space for general recreational activities.

When items are attached, we know from public feedback that many people are deterred from sitting down as they feel these public benches have become personal memorials. Furthermore, items and methods of their attachment, such as wire for example, can also risk public injury and cause cleansing issues.

The Council does not hold an up-to-date database of plaque purchasers. Therefore, if items are left on or attached to benches where this may present an issue around public use and/or safety, removing the items and leaving them to one side of the bench is the established approach to manage this as fairly and sensitively as possible. The Council is not liable for loss or damage of any items removed.