COUNCIL bosses were under pressure yesterday as opposition councillors hit out at the “disgraceful” and “appalling” burning of memorial benches.
An investigation has been launched over the destruction of tribute benches that had been held since their removal from West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh one year ago.
As many as 70 of the wooden seats were torched, with the dedication plaques removed.
The publication of images of the destruction in the Edinburgh Evening News sparked outcry yesterday and Edinburgh City Council said standard practice over the decommissioning of benches, which includes recycling, had not been carried out.
A spokesperson described that as “regrettable”, but Tory councillor Nick Cook described the incident as “appalling”.
He said senior figures “must make clear what they knew and when they knew it” and called for action “to deal with individuals directly involved in this sickeningly disrespectful situation”.
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Fellow Conservative councillor Susan Webber also hit out at the “disgraceful” incident.
Memorial benches of this kind cost around £3900.
A council spokesperson said donors of damaged and irreparable tribute benches are offered the chance to buy metal replacements.
Where a donor cannot be found, benches are stored for up to a year before being “decommissioned and salvageable parts recycled”, according to procedure.
The spokesperson said: “We have a very clear policy in place to decommission benches respectfully when they reach the end of their life. This involves storing the benches and plaques and reaching out to donors to discuss future arrangements and this was correctly followed.
“Standard practice is to recycle the parts of the benches which can be reused and very regrettably this part of the process was not followed.
“An investigation is underway to understand why this has happened and appropriate action will be taken.
“If a seat is deemed to be damaged beyond repair, the commemorative plaque is removed and stored until it can be returned to the donor should they wish.”
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