Signs about renewing memorial plaques on benches in a Suffolk seaside town have "astounded" a regular visitor who came across the warning message.

The Stowmarket resident, who did not wish to be named, told the EADT she was 'astounded' that East Suffolk Council could take away plaques dedicated to loved-ones who have died, which are fixed to benches in Cliff Road, Felixstowe.

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On Sunday, five of the benches, which are a popular place for visitors to sit and enjoy the view out to sea, had messages attached warning that 'other parties' may be permitted to sponsor the bench unless the current plaque owners renew their sponsorship.

Sponsors have until Friday (April 21) to renew.

In return for a fee, people can sponsor the bench and a commemorative plaque for their loved-ones for a ten year period, but this tenure is set to expire and the council needs to know whether people wish to renew.

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The concerned visitor said: "I just saw these five benches together and I was just astounded that they could take them away if there was nobody to take them on. I thought 'oh, how awful.'"

An East Suffolk Council spokesperson said: “Signs have recently been placed in this location to inform sponsors that some of the benches in Cliff Road are due for replacement.

“The replacement of these benches will not take place for another six months, allowing sponsors to get in touch and let us know if they would like to renew sponsorship.

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“Any subsequently removed benches will be retained by East Suffolk Norse until contact is received from families expressing a desire to keep the bench, as is the procedure when sponsorship periods expire.

“Sites will be offered to new sponsors in the event of existing sponsors wishing to discontinue their sponsorship.”

Sponsors wishing to re-sponsor a replacement for a further 10 years can contact East Suffolk Norse on 0345 0402020 or email esn.info@ncsgrp.co.uk.