Kearsley: Queen Elizabeth II bench unveiled in tribute

Bolton Council and ward councillors have worked together to install nine benches across the Kearsley area.

In Stoneclough, councillors originally planned to restore benches near Vale House on Market Street, which are in poor condition due to trees growing into them.

However, to avoid causing damage to the trees, a new bench has been placed nearby, with a memorial plaque commemorating the late Queen Elizabeth II on it. 

The plaque reads: "This bench is dedicated in memory of Queen Elizabeth II by the people of Prestolee, Stoneclough and Ringley. June 2023." 

The bench on Market Street (Image: Public)

Cllr Debbie Newall of Kearsley said: "We decided late last year to spend ward funds on putting more benches throughout Kearsley. 

"People in Stoneclough said when we place a bench in the area, can they have a plaque for Queen Elizabeth II, so we did. 

"It's nice for them that they can have it."

Following a chatty bench being placed in Kearsley earlier this summer, Cllr Newall said how the nine new benches could potentially be turned into chatty benches also. 

The plaque, which reads: This bench is dedicated in memory of Queen Elizabeth II by the people of Prestolee, Stoneclough and Ringley. June 2023. (Image: Public)

Chatty benches are a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation by indicating that people who sit there are open to starting conversations will fellow passers-by. 

She continued: "It's not just elderly people, it can be a young mum who is feeling isolated, somewhere they can walk with their baby. 

"So we thought a chatty bench could be good for that area." 

Cllr Debbie Newall (Image: Bolton Council)

Cllr Newall added: "I have a drive around every now and then and see the benches, there is nearly always someone sat on them.

"Whether it's providing a place for an elderly person to rest between bus stops, or teenagers sat on the bench, it's nice to see conversing and not just with their heads stuck in their phones.

"We are hoping next year to roll out more benches, we will ask residents for ideas for locations. Then we will go around with highways officers to see if the locations are suitable."