Stolen memorial bench found in Fleetwood

It was taken from Wyre Council's depot on Copse Road, Fleetwood, at around 1.30pm last Thursday, after the family had paid the authority to set it in place at their chosen location.

The police were informed and and Wyre Council sought the public's help.

Happily, the appeal has paid off as a member of the public, who'd seen the appeal, spotted the bench.

Wyre Council sent out a message on Twitter today: "Thanks to a sharp eyed resident of Fleetwood our stolen memorial bench has been found in a back alley.

"The bench has been recovered and is undamaged so we can now fix it in its intended location.

"Thank you to everyone who kept an eye out for it, we really appreciate your help."

When the appeal was made and relayed on social media, there was a significant reaction from the public, many of them disgusted at the behaviour of the thieves.

Wyre said it only installs these benches on its promenades, around the boating lakes or in its parks, so if any of them were spotted in a strange location, it was likely to be suspicious.

Had the bench not been found, Wyre said it would replace the bench for the family and install it soon.

However, the authority was still keen to recover it, so opted to launch the appeal.