Councillors have approved new actions to help deal with the "overcrowding" of memorial benches in parts of the town.

It comes following an audit by Hartlepool Borough Council officers looking at the number located in different areas and their condition after concerns were raised by residents.

A report noted there are 115 memorial benches on the Headland, 112 on Seaton promenade and 48 in Ward Jackson Park along with others found in the likes of Seaton Park, Rossmere Park and Burn Valley Gardens

The local authority has therefore “paused” new applications for memorial benches after the numbers in some areas of town reached “a point where it is not possible to install any more”.

Hartlepool Borough Council has announced how it will deal with the "overcrowding" number of memorial benches in areas of town such as Seaton Carew.

placeholder image — Hartlepool Borough Council has announced how it will deal with the "overcrowding" number of memorial benches in areas of town such as Seaton Carew.

Council officers also raised concerns about the condition of some of the benches and the lack of records available – noting maintenance of each bench is down to the person that paid for its installation.

New measures looking at addressing issues around “overcrowding, benches in disrepair and some of those maintenance and accessibility challenges” were approved at the latest meeting of the housing, growth and communities committee.

They include attaching notices to benches in the “worst condition” and asking individuals to get in touch so information can be provided for them to bring it up to standard or have it removed.

Should an individual not wish to carry out the work or the bench is beyond repair then it will be offered back to them or the opportunity given to retain the plaque.

If nobody comes forward the bench and plaque would be removed and stored for “an agreed period and then disposed of”.

Labour’s Councillor Martin Scarborough, deputy council leader, said: “It is a sensitive subject, we need to deal with it empathetically.”

Officers stressed residents will be informed of the planned new measures and it will be “quite a slow process” while they consider all options around benches to ensure they are “as efficient and effective as possible”.

Additionally it was agreed alternative options for memorials would be investigated.

These could include a different style of bench with space for multiple plaques, steel “memory trees” with engraved leaves and traditional tree planting in public spaces.

Councillors also backed the development of a policy regarding management of temporary memorials which may appear such as after a road traffic accident.