Trefriw missing bench is returned- repaired!

Oct 6 2011 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A MISSING bench reported to police as stolen back in July has been mysteriously returned – by the county council!

Residents in Trefriw told the Weekly News they were disgusted when they first discovered one of the many benches dotted around the village had gone missing, and reported the theft to the police.

Chair of Trefriw Community Council Hilary Rogers Jones said at the time: “The community has owned this antique bench for as long as anyone can remember and now someone has stolen it, probably just for the value of the scrap metal.

“It was even bolted down and the thieves just ripped it out of the ground.

“The council will have to consider whether it can afford to replace it.”

Pensioner Meurig Roberts, who maintains the benches on a volunteer basis, was upset at the theft.

“I was most upset when it went missing, especially after all the hard work I put into its upkeep,” explained Meurig, 70.

“But now it’s back and according to some it was not stolen, but taken by Conwy County Council employees after they damaged it with a lorry.

“They have obviously repaired it and given it a coat of paint, and replaced it, but no-one knew what they were up to, otherwise the police would have never have been involved.

“Conwy had good intentions but they should have informed the community council of their actions.”

Trefriw Council clerk Valerie Hannah added: “It’s wonderful that it has been returned and not stolen, but what a waste of time, for the community council and the police.

“We went out and bought chains and padlocks for the remaining benches and even considered claiming for a replacement on insurance.

“The community council is now wondering whether all the benches belong to the village, as has always been assumed, or to Conwy County Council.

“It’s a lack of communication on Conwy’s part and a waste of everyone’s time who was involved, especially the police.”

Conwy County Council did not provide a comment on the matter at the time of going to press.