A new bench to commemorate last year's VE Day anniversary has been installed at the Memorial Gardens in Brook Street.

It was an idea that was first suggested in an Ashby de la Zouch Town Council meeting after the town's planned VE Day 75 celebrations had to be cancelled 19 months ago due to the Covid pandemic.

Now, the bench has been put in place as a mark of remembrance with Ashby unable to pay a full tribute on the day on May 8, 2020.

It was officially unveiled by leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Cllr John Coxon, and Brian Senton of Ashby Royal British Legion.

Both agreed it reflected Ashby's huge efforts towards remembrance in the town and the Royal British Legion which has been celebrating its centenary this year.

Brian said: "It's situated at the far ends of the gardens as it marks a victory, whereas the front end remembers the fallen.

"The town couldn't mark VE Day 75 last year but the bench was actually installed in early November.

"We, as the Royal British Legion, we were asked where we thought the bench should be, and thats's the spot we picked.

advertisement

"The Legion are pleased to see it there, May 8 is a big day on our calendar.

"But, going back around 12 years, the garden was overgrown and I wrote to the council, and they did everything perfectly.

"They created a footpath, and the other benches were put in along with a trellis so that wreaths could be on show.

"Now, the garden is quite a pleasure.

"All we need is waste paper bin! People go in with their chips and their burgers and there's nowhere to put their paper.

"Usually, they take it away with them.

"But on the odd occasion, they screw it up and drop it.

"It's a place where you can sit quietly with the town buzzing around you."

advertisement

Cllr Coxon echoed the view that the gardens have become a place where people can sit in peace.

He said: "It's a valuable addition to the Memorial Gardens and a nice place to go and sit.

"I wouldn't sure we'd be able to fit the bench in at first, but it's perfectly situated. I'm very pleased with it.

"The reason for providing the bench was because our plans for VE Day 75 couldn't go ahead.

"We've been very supportive of the British Legion since I've been council leader.

"That bench represents VE Day 75 forever now as a permanent gesture, it's something you can see and touch."