A special golden jubilee bench which was stolen just three weeks after it was unveiled will be replaced and security beefed up, say community leaders.

The bench, part of a set of four commissioned by South Woodham Ferrers Town Council, was uprooted out of its concrete base by thieves.

Now council leaders - still angry at what they see as a "slap in the face" for the community - have vowed not to be beaten and are not only replacing the bench but installing security measures on the golden jubilee walk in the town.

Council vice-chairman Malcolm Case, who helped put the project together, said: "We are in the process of replacing the bench, which was insured, and we hope to have some progress in the next couple of weeks."

The set of benches cost several thousand pounds to design and create and were installed at different locations on a three-mile walk around the town to mark the Queen's golden jubilee.

The bench was in Burnham Road, opposite Bushy Hill, and was taken some time over the weekend of June 8-9.

Anyone with information should contact the police on 01245 491491 or the town council on 01245 321817.

Published Wednesday August 14, 2002

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