A MEMORIAL bench uprooted by heartless vandals twice at Ackers Pit will be returning to the scenic site.

Nicola Faizy, from Latchford, paid £450 for the bench in memory of granddad Frederick Tyreman, who died aged 88, on November 25.

But having taken its place at Ackers Pit, one of Fred's favourite locations, the bench was uprooted and dragged into the pond in January, then was again dislodged days later.

Following a meeting last week, it has been agreed that the bench will return to the same spot at a date in the near future yet to be confirmed as the community refuses to back down to the vandals.

"We are going to put it back and are just trying to cover all bases so it does not happen again," said Stockton Heath Parish Council chairman, Helen Dutton.

"The nights will be lighter and the contractor will be using quicker drying cement.

"We don't want to give in to the people who did this and with the lighter nights, residents will be able to see what is happening more.

"We will also be speaking to the PCSOs in the area to see if they can check the area more after it is put back in."

Following the first incident where the bench was uprooted, the parish council organised for it to be put back but the vandals again pounced before the concrete could set.

However, with the extra precautions taken this time around, Cllr Dutton is confident no such incidents will take place again.

"We will be on the lookout more but I just don't understand how anybody could do something like this," she added.

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101.