'Friendly bench' installed in memory of Torbay coast path campaigner

A new 'friendly bench' has been installed in memory and honour of Torquay coastal path campaigner Graham Stephenson.

Mr Stephenson maintained and championed part of the path around the town.

The bench has been placed at one of Mr Stephenson's favourite lookout spots in Beacon Cove, a place that, thanks to his dedication, was placed back on the 'Agatha Christie Mile' after years of neglect.

Mr Stephenson, who died last year, campaigned tirelessly to improve this section of the South West Coastal path. He walked it daily, clearing rubbish and raising thousands of pounds from residents and local businesses to address the neglect, rebuilding walls and fencing, planting flower beds, and installing gates and signage to improve the area. 

The work was carried out over several years by the Torbay Coastal Volunteers led by Mr Stephenson and it was recognised with the "It's Your Neighbourhood" award from South West in Bloom, which ran for two years.

Friendly benches are intended as places where people can sit and chat, make new friends, connect with nature, hopefully reducing loneliness and isolation and are being placed across the Bay.

The bench was dedicated in a brief ceremony organised by Torbay Communities' Community Builder, Ceri Silk, that brought together Mr Stephenson's widow, Ludmila, local councillors, including Lib Dem leader Steve Darling, fellow Torbay Conservation Volunteers, Swisco; The Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Tor Bay Harbour Authority, local MP Kevin Foster.