Appeal over town centre benches

Castleford Project celebrity presenter Kevin McCloud is backing an appeal to find the relatives of people commemorated by town centre benches.

Best known as the face of Channel 4's 'Grand Designs' Kevin took time out from a busy filming schedule with Talkback TV to help highlight this new quest.

Over 30 benches in and around the Carlton Street area may have to be re-sited as part of the Castleford Project's town centre improvement scheme next year.

Wakefield Metropolitan District Council project officers are preparing the way for the scheme and are keen to trace relatives of local people who bought benches and commemorative plaques. They want to consult them over what happens next.

There are 18 benches in the pedestrian precinct and Carlton Street, plus three brick planters and a further 13 benches and seats in nearby side streets.

Some have been in place over 30 years and some were sited as recently as 1998.

Kevin said this week: "The bench' is the traditional way in which we commemorate people in a community and they're important symbols and mementos for those friends and family who are still alive. So it's important to treat them not just as a piece of street furniture, but to site – and, in this case, resite – them with care and sensitivity. I hope we can do so with the help of those who have an interest."

Phil Dobson Wakefield Council's Deputy Leader said: "We want to be sure local people are properly consulted about where the benches and plaques should go.

They will have to be removed while work is underway to improve the town centre but most of them are in pretty good condition and can be re-sited." If you have an interest in the benches, please contact Mark Mills or Maggie Thompson on 01977 723940.

The Castleford Project is a collaboration between Wakefield Council, Channel 4 and key regeneration agencies and the community all committed to achieving 11 improvement projects. Progress is being filmed for Channel 4 by Talkback for a major television series.

More information from Carmel O'Toole Castleford Project Communications Manager for more information on 07838 368813 cotoole@channel.co.uk. Or visit www.channel4.com/castleford