Ashfield Council unveils new benches to commemorate VE Day anniversary

The bench at Selston Country Park was unveiled by Coun Arne Hankin, deputy chairman of the council, and Coun David Martin.

Marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, the bench has been installed in a place that local residents can sit and reflect and remember, once the current restrictions have been lifted.

Coun Martin, cabinet member for streets, parks and town centres, said: “We are very proud to take delivery of this bench, it not only marks VE Day but will also serve as an ongoing reminder of those that lost their lives during WWII.

“We hope that visitors to our parish will enjoy the benches for many years to come.

“They are beautifully made out of wrought iron and I hope these distinctive benches will bring a lot of joy to local residents and visitors to our parish.

“This is an excellent way of remembering those who gave so much for our freedoms.

Councillors Andy Gascoyne, Arnie Hankin and I have had loads of messages from local people who have already spotted the benches on their daily exercise.

“We are confident that they will be popular with visitors too once lockdown restrictions are lifted.”