Telford Southwater benches removed after 'continued vandalism'
“These benches were there for everyone to enjoy”
A charity says it has taken the “difficult decision” to remove benches from Telford’s Southwater after “continued vandalism”.
The benches were located on the green space outside Meeting Point House and the Hummingbird Cafe.
The decision was revealed in a post from Meeting Point House on social media, which said it was “deeply saddened” to have taken the action.
It said: “It is with genuine sadness that we have made the difficult decision to remove the benches from the green space outside The Hummingbird Cafe and Meeting Point House.
“Sadly, continued vandalism has left the benches damaged and no longer safe for members of the public to use.
“With the risk of someone being injured, we simply cannot allow them to remain in place.”
The charity said it cannot afford to fix the damaged equipment.
It said: “What makes this particularly disappointing is that this green space is not owned by Telford & Wrekin Council. It is our responsibility, and as a charity, we cannot simply replace expensive equipment every time it is deliberately damaged.
“Our aim has always been to create a welcoming, accessible space where people can meet, relax and enjoy being part of our community. These benches were there for everyone to enjoy.
“We work incredibly hard to make Meeting Point House a place that brings people together, and it is heartbreaking when a small minority undermine something intended to benefit so many.
“We are deeply saddened to have taken this action, but the safety of our visitors, café customers and wider community must always come first.
“We hope that one day we can restore this seating area and intend approaching Telford & Wrekin Council to see if there is way of better utilising the space so that everyone can enjoy it. Until then, we ask everyone to help us look after the community spaces we all share.”