Benches with inscriptions such as this will no longer be accepted around the harbour.

PEOPLE wanting to remember a loved one with a granite bench at the harbour will in future have to keep the inscription short.

Previous sponsors did not have to go through the same rigorous process as people wishing to erect seats around the rest of the coast.

The issue was highlighted in yesterday’s Guernsey Press after Dorcas Woodland received a warning from the Environment Department about commemorative objects being left at a granite bench erected at Bordeaux in memory of her son. It emerged that it had taken two years of ‘wrangling’ to get the bench in place.

Environment granted the Town Centre Partnership permission for 52 granite benches around the harbour.

Group chairman Jack Honeybill, a St Peter Port North deputy and a member of Environment, arranged sponsorship for each bench at £2,500 including engraving.

At the time that was unrestricted but, following a series of benches which have been deemed inappropriate, Deputy Honeybill said changes had had to be made.

‘The partnership has changed its policy and, regrettably, in the future benches will not have dates and will be restricted to 22 letters.’