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Community payback workers replace vandalised Thurso bench


By David G Scott

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A WELL-used bench in Thurso that was destroyed by vandals has been replaced by the Caithness Community Payback Team.

The memorial bench, sited on Victoria Walk, had been ripped from its mountings, smashed to pieces and thrown over a nearby cliff just before Christmas.

From left: client David Lee Anderson, supervisor Bob Miller, client John Allen and supervisor David Souter after installing the new bench at Thurso's Victoria Walk.
From left: client David Lee Anderson, supervisor Bob Miller, client John Allen and supervisor David Souter after installing the new bench at Thurso's Victoria Walk.

It was recovered by community payback workers but was found to be damaged beyond repair.

The community payback officer for Caithness, Steve MacDonald, said: "Numerous members of the public were outraged by this senseless act on the popular bench, so we took it upon ourselves as an opportunity for our clients to give something back to the community.

"Robert Allan, of Allan's of Gillock, kindly donated the wood and the bench was made by our clients under the supervision of Bob Miller and David Souter."

The popular memorial bench was damaged beyond repair, so was replaced by the community payback workers.
The popular memorial bench was damaged beyond repair, so was replaced by the community payback workers.

The bench was a memorial to Catherine MacKay Airey who was born in Thurso on February 16, 1937, and died in Tunbridge Wells on May 17, 1996.

"People were really upset by the fact it was a special memorial bench and also because it was one that people used a lot," Mr MacDonald added.

The area of Victoria Walk the bench sits upon is popular with dog-walkers.

"This is a great example of how our clients' work can benefit the community," he said.

"Community payback orders are given out by Wick Sheriff Court to offenders by way of punishment for crimes they have committed."

Mr MacDonald said he had tried to trace a next of kin of Catherine Airey but to no avail.

If anyone has any knowledge of Catherine Airey, or wishes further details of the work of the Caithness Community Payback Team, Mr MacDonald can be contacted at the Criminal Justice Service office in Wick on 01349 781300.


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