A COMMEMORATIVE bench recognising the sacrifices made by healthcare workers in Colchester has been installed thanks to a campaign.

Shrub End ward councillor Lyn Barton, together with fellow Colchester councillors Mick Spindler and Sam McCarthy, worked to see the bench installed overlooking Abbey Field.

Ms Barton said the idea for the bench followed the commissioning of a previous seat honouring the sacrifices of Colchester’s armed forces.

“It was very popular among the community and is a permanent reminder of the debt we owe those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

“During the pandemic when delivering food to residents and hearing stories of the amazing contribution some of our residents were making, I thought it would be a great idea to recognise the enormous personal sacrifice.

“I saw the seat online and it fitted exactly what I wanted.

“I ran it past my Shrub End colleagues Mick Spindler and Sam McCarthy and both supported the idea.”

The bench project costed around £1,200 and took a year to come to fruition.

Ms Barton added: “The team appreciate the support from officers which made this happen.

“Residents deserve acknowledgment for the huge part they played during unprecedented difficult times. Feedback has been very positive.”