HOLMES Chapel Parish Council has produced guidance for providing memorial benches in the village.

The council is keen to see a range of bench seating around Holmes Chapel, and a number have been added over recent years.

There have also been several requests from residents to locate benches in memory of a friend or relative or local event.

Parish council clerk Tina Cartlidge said: “It important that any new benches fit in with other street furniture, and are in safe and convenient places.

“To this end guidance in the form of a policy covering the arrangements for providing and locating items around the village has been prepared, covering benches and other types of memorials.

“The policy also covers future maintenance of the memorials, which the parish council will take over once the item is installed.”

Currently there are 23 benches installed in a range of locations.

The parish council has identified potential sites to install further benches in the village, but this list does not preclude consideration of other locations residents may suggest.

Alternatively, by agreement, an existing bench requiring renovation could be replaced with a new bench and a suitable plaque.

Tina added: “The parish council will try to meet the requests of residents and others with regard to the design and style of benches and to agree locations, provided this is in line with the policy.”

The policy can be viewed on the parish council’s website through the following link:

holmeschapelparishcouncil.gov.uk/materials/memorial_policy_1.pdf

Enquiries about the installation of benches or another type of memorial should be made to the parish clerk.

The clerk can be contacted on 01477 533 934 or email clerk@holmeschapelparishcouncil.gov.uk