Memorial bench to Bridgnorth volunteer Sue is destroyed by yobs
A memorial bench created to remember a community-minded volunteer in Bridgnorth who was "loved by all" has been vandalised for the third time.
The memorial bench for Sue Coyne is now said to be beyond repair.
Mrs Coyne was awarded an MBE for her voluntary work with children in Bridgnorth. She died in 2011, aged 60.
A number of friends clubbed together to pay for the bench in Mrs Coyne's memory. It was placed in Lodge Lane play area, but following the new act of vandalism can not be repaired.
Bridgnorth Town Council says the bench has now been removed entirely and despite the best efforts of its labour team, cannot be repaired.
A letter from council clerk Anne Wilson has been sent out to those who helped to fund the bench.
It said: "You will be aware that Sue's bench has been removed from the Lodge Lane play area due to another incidence of vandalism and I am very sorry to report that despite our labour force staff trying to repair it they have unfortunately reported that this time it is beyond repair.
"I am very sorry that it cannot be salvaged and the vandals have got the better of us this time. I realise how frustrating and upsetting this will be for all of those who donated their time, effort and money to have a lasting memorial in place for someone who did so much for the community."
Fundraisers who want to pay for a replacement bench have been urged to contact the council, although it has said it may no longer be put in the same place.
The council has also said it will help those interested in putting up a new memorial to look into other sponsorship options.
Residents on Facebook have spoken of their anger following the attack on the memorial of the much-loved woman.
The bench was last removed for repair in July of this year, which was the second time in 12 months it had been damaged by vandals.
Mrs Coyne worked as a dinner lady and caretaker at St Mary's Bluecoat School, and also held down numerous volunteer jobs, finding her calling in working with children. She began volunteering at Red Cross Club in Innage Lane when her daughter Stacy joined at the age of eight – and she was soon running it.
Mrs Coyne also resurrected the Bridgnorth Beavers, a sports club for children with disabilities, and ran play schemes over the school holidays with the town council.
