You can buy a bench, with a personalised message, to be enjoyed by the community. Bench messages are not always about remembering a loved one – many people also choose to commemorate events, friendships and pets.

Individuals, businesses, or other organisations such as charities can all buy a bench, or buy a plaque for an existing bench where available.

The bench is a donation and property of BCP Council. It is available for any visitors to use at any time.

Where you can have a bench

Sometimes benches in certain locations are not possible due to:

• landscape designs
• site management plans
• access for emergency vehicles or grass cutting machinery
• too many benches in the area
• the environment (erosion, flooding and protected species)

We do our very best to make your request happen, however we can't guarantee that your request will be approved.

Types of bench

When you get in touch, we discuss the different types of benches available and prices.

You cannot choose the style of bench yourself. All benches must be as stated in our terms and conditions, which are in the application form we send you. This is to make sure that benches are matched to the landscape design and site management plan. It also makes sure they meet the requirements of popular public seating, that they are safe and easy to keep in good condition.

Bench installation

All benches must be installed by us. Any seating not installed with an active agreement will be removed.

Once approved and the payment has been received, we order and install the bench. Delivery of the bench usually takes about 8 to 10 weeks from the manufacturer. It then needs to be installed which may take another couple of weeks.

Plaques

We have guidelines for what you can write on your plaque. It must be legal and non offensive. If you are a business, it must be in line with our advertising policy. The inscription you add to your agreement form will be the inscription we use on the plaque.

We reserve the right to vary any inscription as may be found necessary, or to refuse any inscription considered unsuitable.

Plaque installation

For plaques going onto a bench that is already installed, please allow 4 to 6 weeks from receipt of payment.

All plaques must be installed by us. Any plaque fixed to a bench with no active agreement will be removed.

Using the bench

We do not allow any changes to the bench or area where your bench is installed. This includes permanent floral arrangements, candles or personal items. If these are found they will be removed. If you are leaving flowers to mark a birthday or anniversary, please remove them after 2 weeks.

The burial of ashes (cremated remains) is not allowed. Ashes can change the soil composition and harm the local environment.

You are welcome to clean your bench yourself with water and a cloth. We do not allow you to use chemicals, paint or varnish as this could cause damage.

Check our community bench repairs and replacements page to learn how we look after benches.