An article in The Culm Valley Gazette on 23rd September, reporting how vandals had torched a bench given by the Council for the benefit of a local disabled man, prompted Walter H. Squires & Son to generously provide a replacement.

Two years ago Mid Devon District Council erected a bench at the request of local residents so that Mr Don Polsford, who was left paralysed on one side of his body after a suffering a stroke 10 years ago, could sit in comfort and speak with passers-by.

Saddened by the pointless act of vandalism, Melanie Squires said “After reading the article I contacted Don and Sylvia and promised we would provide a replacement. It was obvious they were really upset in case the attack was a personal thing, but I can't think for one second it could be because they are such a lovely couple. We knew Don loved his old bench and got a lot of pleasure from being able to sit and talk with passers-by; both Don and Sylvia were really pleased when we said we would work with the Council to get this sorted out as quickly as possible.”

A link to the Culm Valley Gazette’s initial news story can be found here:-

Culm Valley Gazette - 23rd September 2008

The follow-up article can be found here:-

Culm Valley Gazette - 28th October 2008

Issued on behalf of Walter H. Squires & Son

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