Locals remove Taunton memorial bench from River Tone

Last week, Taunton Town Council confirmed that the bench was "not safe to recover", after discussions with the Environment Agency and Somerset Council.

They described the act as a "mindless act of vandalism".

Despite this, a local magnet fisherman who was made aware of the news by his partner, felt it was his duty to retrieve the memorial bench.

Kenzi Coles was compelled to help, empathising with the family of the individual of whom the memorial bench was dedicated to.

"If I was in the same position as the family, I'd hope someone would at least try and do something," he explained.

"I took it upon myself to at least see if I could try."If I was in the same position as the family, I'd hope someone would at least try and do something, he explained. (Image: NQ Staff)

After 45 minutes battling to remove the bench with his grappling hook, Kenzi had only managed to dislodge it and help to navigate it down the weir.

He explained how his luck turned when a passing group of students from Bridgwater and Taunton College came to his aid and helped to move the bench nearer to a convenient hole in the fence.

"We managed to work as a very efficient team," he said.

"With everyone pulling, I was able to properly secure the rope around the bench... and we pulled it up over the rail."

The bench is now sat on the grass next the river in French Weir Park.

Unfortunately, it has sustained some damage due to its time in the water, but Taunton Town Council has pledged to replace the it along with the memorial plaque as soon as possible.

Kenzi stated his motivation to remove the bench was inspired by his desire to restore some kindness to the chaos of modern life: "I feel that life has become far too busy for everyone and that limits our ability to show compassion for others.

"When the opportunity came up to do something for someone else, I jumped straight in."