A DISPUTE with the council concerning a memorial bench dedicated to a late postman has ‘devastated’ his family.
Neighbours and colleagues donated thousands of pounds earlier this year to buy a bench and plaque in memory of Barrow postman Stuart Metcalfe.
A loyal Barrow AFC supporter, dedicated postman, and much-loved dad, Stuart died suddenly on September 14 at the age of 57.
A devoted postman of 25 years, Stuart was known for delivering mail across Barrow and Dalton during his decades of service.
Residents on Mendip Gardens – where Stuart lived for 22 years – joined forces to fundraise a bench, plaque and flag to be put up in honour of their late neighbour whose death left a ‘big hole on the street’.
However, since the bench was placed on the street, complaints have been made to Westmorland and Furness Council surrounding its positioning.
The council decided to move the bench from its ‘unsuitable’ communal location following concerns regarding anti-social behaviour.
Stuart’s daughter Laura Anne Creighton said her dad would be ‘disgusted’ at the turn of events and wants the bench to be returned to its original location.
She said: “It's absolutely devastating. We gained permission initially which we were delighted about. Then the council had received two complaints from neighbours apparently, then they asked us to move it.
“Much to our upset and frustration, we agreed in order to keep the peace. We moved it out of the way whilst still remaining on the street. The bench remained there for a number of months so I assumed the issues were resolved.
The Mail: Laura on her dad's bench which was previously situated in Mendip Gardens, Barrow
Laura on her dad's bench which was previously situated in Mendip Gardens, Barrow (Image: Submitted)
“Then it came to my attention that the council have again asked our dad's neighbours to move it. There was no courtesy contacting his daughters, they’ve said all this to the neighbours.”
Laura said the dispute surrounding the bench is preventing her family from grieving and hopes the council ‘will see sense’.
She said: “My sister and I are really struggling to understand how a bench could cause people distress and upset. We feel personally attacked and we know our dad would be disgusted.
“We just want to grieve and this has prevented us from doing that.
“We feel mostly sorry for the community. They raised a lot of money when times are tough and it seems that because of a minor few they've done it for nothing.
“I hope that the council see sense and let us have the bench in its original place as it was not causing any harm.
“There was a bench there before our dad's for a number of years, yet there was no complaints. This is absolutely uncalled for.
“Our dad was the longest resident in the street, we grew up there and we were so grateful that people wanted us/his friends to be able to sit and reminisce. Enough has been taken away from us, it's just so upsetting.”
A Westmorland and Furness Council spokesman said it was continuing to work with the family and residents to find a solution to this issue.
He said: “After the bench was installed, it sadly became apparent that its original location on the communal area was not suitable due to its proximity to other properties and its use by a small minority as a place to congregate. This has at times led to concerns regarding anti-social behaviour.
“After speaking with family members, it was suggested the bench should be moved, and we would work with all parties to find an alternative, more suitable location. We have been advised the bench has now been moved from the communal area and is not currently causing an obstruction.
“We will continue to work with the family and residents to find a solution to this issue which is satisfactory for everyone involved.”