Appeal after bench 'stolen' from Wirral British Legion premises

Paul Yates, from Higher Bebington Royal British Legion, said the furniture was reported missing by a cleaner last Friday morning (October 18).

Located near its memorial cenotaph and costing 'hundreds of pounds' it has cast-iron steel legs and wooden slats.

Mr Yates, who is part of a team of volunteers at the venue on Teehey Lane, wants the bench returned. 

Site of the stolen bench that was located behind the Cenotaph at Higher Bebington Royal British Legion Social Club (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest) He told the Globe: "It was last seen on the Thursday night and reported missing by the cleaner on Friday morning. We checked the cameras and couldn't see anything showing it being taken away.

"It was quite heavy and would have taken two people to have lifted it. We've asked everywhere, shopkeepers etc, if they've seen and also checked the local area for any sign of it, but nothing."

Mr Yates continued: "I just thought someone may have taken it away as a drunken prank on the way home from a pub one night, but as time's gone on I'm not so sure and don't know what's happened.

"I just find it appalling that someone would pinch from a cenotaph - a tribute to ex-servicemen who've given everything for their country. It just beggars belief what the world is turning into; it's getting lower and lower.

"It's upsetting, because it's a fantastic club. It's been struggling since Covid and has volunteers helping out, getting the place ready for the Remembrance Sunday parade". 

Paul Yates, chairman of Higher Bebington Royal British Legion Social Club, at the site of stolen bench that was located behind the Cenotaph (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

Appealing for the public's help in finding the bench, Mr Yates added: "I hope whoever's taken it shows a bit of remorse and brings it back. If they do, nothing will be done about it.

"Even if they bring it back late at night and put it back, no one needs to know."

Asked if police had been contacted over the disappearance, he replied: "We haven't contacted them, because that would have been an absolute waste of time. 

"It's not the police's fault, they've got too much on and are short-staffed as it is. What are they going to do? just going to write 'stolen bench'. It's not a block of gold is it?'

"Someone out there knows where the bench is."