The chairman of one of Marlborough town council’s main committees has apologised unreservedly over the four month delay in the council providing permission for a memorial bench to go up on The Green in tribute to the late Jim Sherritt.
Donations totally £526 have been made to an appeal launched by two of his close friends, Chris Sparkes and Lisa Bartlett, who wanted a permanent tribute to one of Marlborough’s wartime heroes.
They expressed their considerable dismay at Monday’s meeting of the council’s Amenities and Open Spaces Committee over the council’s lack of action since they had first sought its support in April.
Now Councillor Richard Pitts, the committee’s chairman, has accepted their criticism, promising that Remembrance Day on November 11 is now the targeted date for the bench to be in place.
And at the same time refurbish the damaged wrought iron seats that already exist on The Green.
“I apologize unreservedly over the way this has been handled by the town council,” said Councillor Pitts. “I do not expect it to take it as long as it did from the committee deciding to ask you about the current iron benches.”
“I am deeply sorry for the justifiable upset caused and will ensure that the final decision on location and style will be completed with all possible speed.”
“I do not see why this can’t be done in a very small space of time, in place to enjoy some autumn sunshine and perhaps with a formal dedication during the Remembrance Sunday.”
And he added: “I stood for council to serve and provide leadership to make a difference for the improvement of the community and its environs. That starts with accommodating the wishes of a group people where possible, exactly as you have requested.”
“With that in mind I see there is no better way to do this in remembering someone such as Mr Sherritt who fought to keep the British way of life safe and later to become a respected member of our community.”
Mr Sparkes had emailed the town council last week providing details of Mr Sherritt’s career and the fact that collection boxes at six points in the community, including Marlborough Conservative Club, home of the local branch of the British Legion, plus four public houses had raised £526 to pay for a memorial bench, any sum left over being given to Marlborough British Legion.
Mr Sherritt, born in Enniskillen in 1923, served in the Royal Irish Horse Regiment. Shortly after the start of the World War II he became a tank driver and saw action in North Africa and Italy, where he also worked with the War Graves Commission before returning home to Marlborough.
His earlier career was in the construction industry before retirement at 65. He then spent 18 years in the armoury at Marlborough College. He died in February, aged 88.
Mr Sparkes later praised Councillor Pitts for his public apology over the delay and told Marlborough News Online: “We feel it is a magnanimous gesture on his part.”
“But it should not have been necessary if members of the council had fully appreciated how well Jim was liked and respected in Marlborough — and done what we felt was in the best interests of the community at an earlier stage.”