A PARISH councillor is dismayed as a memorial bench for a political colleague and close friend has yet to be installed.

Ramsey and Parkeston parish councillor David Smith believes a bench dedicated to Harwich stalwart Steven Henderson would be an appropriate tribute after he died in October last year.

Mr Smith was promised by former Tendring Council leader Peter Halliday there would be a bench and has since been told by several other councillors something would be installed.

“I have been told the matter is in hand and the chief executive Ian Davidson is dealing with it and a full response would be forwarded in due course but nothing seems to be happening,” he said.

“He was a wonderful bloke who would do anything for anyone and did so much for Harwich and Dovercourt.

“Steven dedicated his life to politics and to the town and I think a bench in the mayor’s garden or along the seafront where he loved to go would be a fitting tribute.”

A spokesman for Tendring Council said that the request for a memorial bench for Cllr Steven Henderson is being processed and was sent to the relevant department following Cllr Smith’s letter on May 22.

“The bench is prepared and we are now waiting to have a plaque made to go on it. Once that has been sorted out an appropriate site will be agreed.”