World War One hero’s bench removed due to street drinkers

A bench installed to remember a hero of the Great War is to be removed after becoming a base for street drinkers.

Residents in the Westbourne Gardens area of Hove have complained that the seat at the top of the street is being regularly used by large groups.

With complaints of loud noise and public urination, a neighbourhood police officer was called to deal with the increasingly intolerable situation.

It was reported the PCSO found six people drinking and being rowdy nearby while one man had passed out on the bench before urinating himself.

After police spoke to local Brighton and Hove city councillors Graham Cox and Denise Cobb, it has been agreed the bench will now be moved.

Cllr Cox, writing in his regular newsletter, said: “We have spoken with many residents and there is a consensus emerging that reluctantly it would probably be best to remove the bench.

“We have also been in contact with the lady who kindly donated the bench in memory of her late father – a World War One hero who lived for many years in Westbourne Gardens.

“She was upset to hear what has been happening, but also is understandably reluctant to see the bench go.

“The best compromise may be to move the bench to a much more suitable location – perhaps outside Aldrington Hospital. This is further away from the area where street drinkers tend to congregate.”