Ref. 73188-78 Les Hudgell uses a chair after vandals demolished a bench put up in memory of David BristowVANDALS have smashed up a memorial bench in Stratton.

The bench was placed on Beech-croft Road in memory of local musician David Bristow, who died in 2000.

Friends who clubbed together to buy the bench two years ago say they are unlikely to replace it because they believe that the same thing could happen again.

Nigel Wood, 59, one of the group, was devastated when he heard that the bench had been vandalised.

"We have lost confidence in society," he said.

"We are probably not going to replace it because the same thing will happen and it is too expensive.

"It is so sad because old people used it a lot.

"It was a good stop-off point for them on the way to the shops."

Les Hudgell, 71, is one pensioner who has been using the bench since having a hip replacement eight weeks ago.

"I walk with my wife from Green-lands Road then I used to have a rest on the bench while she went to the shops," he said.

"I need a rest by the time I get there so I couldn't believe it when I came around the corner and saw it was gone.

"There aren't any more seats in that area and I won't be able to make it all the way, not without a sit-down.

"I won't be able to go because there is nowhere to have a rest."

Mr Bristow, who lived on Beechcroft Road, was a professional musician.

He died, aged 46, in 2000 and a group of friends placed the memorial bench outside his old house two years ago. He knew everybody and was very friendly to everybody," said Mr Wood.

"He was well-respected in the area a good friendly character.

"I am hopeful that whoever did this will be found.

"We have got a lot of people asking around and the local youngsters are upset about it so they are making inquiries too."

The bench was vandalised at about 12.15am on Sunday.

A resident heard a noise and went outside to find two young men kicking apart the bench.

A neighbour's fence had also been damaged.

The men, aged about 17-18, ran off down St Philips Road.

Anyone with any information about the incident should ring Swindon police on 01793 528111.

Isabel Field