Picture Ref: 77207-125MEMORIAL benches meant to be a lasting tribute to three friends killed in a car crash are at the centre of a row between police and the families of those killed.

Local officers say removing the benches in Newburgh Place, Highworth, would stop hordes of troublemakers from congregating there and causing problems for residents.

But the mother who installed them in memory of her son Richard Seagroatt, 19, and pals Dylan Bailey, 23, and Gavin Ralph, 17, who died ten years ago, is furious and wants them to stay.

Jackie Seagroatt, 58, chose the location because it was where the lads used to hang out when they were younger.

And she doesn't believe they are the cause of the problems.

"The benches do not attract the kids, it is the large open space that draws them and the fact that the Tesco Express opens late," said Jackie, of Lismore Road, Highworth.

"If the benches were removed it wouldn't make any difference.

"I wouldn't be happy about them going, it would be very upsetting. I don't want them moved because Newburgh Place was where Richard and his friends used to meet."

At the time, the crash on the Highworth to Blunsdon road in November 1995 was one of the worst police had seen.

The friends were laid to rest in adjoining graves in Highworth cemetery and cash collected at the funeral paid for the benches. The original ones were later replaced.

But the police are adamant that the seats are causing problems.

Sergeant Max Sharman, of Highworth police, said: "I do appreciate the reason for putting them in Newburgh Place but my view is that the benches, together with the Tesco Express, act as a magnet for local youths."

He is trying to get the area covered by a dispersal order so police can break up gangs of louts.

"If the dispersal order does the job, the benches won't be an issue," he said. "But if it doesn't work because of those benches, I will be asking for them to be moved, which I don't think is unreasonable.

"They could be sited elsewhere in the town."

Highworth Town Council is supporting the police.

But town mayor Gordon Jefferies admitted it was a delicate situation. "We are not going to make a decision until we have approached all those concerned," he said.

Tamash Lal