A SCHEME allowing memorial benches to be placed in Maldon’s cemeteries and public spaces is set to be suspended – because there are “too many”.

Maldon District Council’s community services committee was expected to vote to suspend sales of memorial benches until November at a meeting on Tuesday night.

Stephen Nunn, historian and Maldon Town Council, says it is a shame that the memorial benches will be stopped, but understands the reasoning behind the decision.

He said: “I think it is unfortunate that we can’t have any more but I guess you get to a saturation point with these things.

“Hopefully there will be other places in the town where memorial benches can be put up, either under the control of the district or town council.”

John Bryant, 67, of Granger Avenue, agreed with Stephen’s sentiments, saying that he hoped the council could find an alternative way of commemorating loved ones.

“I agree there are a lot of benches already but I would like to think they could think of something else to replace the idea.

“If people want to remember someone special they should be given that option.”

Others, such as Stephen Jacobs, 37, of Mill Road, disagreed fully with the council, saying they couldn’t understand the decision.

He added: “I do not understand why there can’t be more. It is not like the benches are bad on the eye.

“I don’t think there should be a limit so long as it doesn’t become ridiculous.”

Meanwhile, Margaret Bands, 71, of Tenterfield Road, said she had no problem with the council’s postponement of the memorial bench scheme.

“I wouldn’t want one for myself so I can’t say that I’m annoyed about it, but I can see why you would be if that was something that you have wanted to do.”