A FRIENDS of Poole Park trustee has accused the council of trying to "profit from the dead" by charging £300 upkeep for memorial benches.

Of the borough's 1,500 benches, 690 have been financed privately through donation - the majority paid for by families in memory of a loved one who has died.

These benches, often including memorial plaques, are situated throughout Poole's parks, view points, cemeteries and seafront.

Citing government funding cuts as the reason why, Borough of Poole (BOP) now insists any bench more than 10 years old - providing it is in good condition - will need to have its maintenance for the next five years paid for. The charge for this five year extension is £300.

Failure to pay means the memorial plaque will be removed and returned to donors.

Bob Lister, trustee of the Friends of Poole Park told the Echo: "It seems somewhat ghoulish for BOP to try to profit from the dead.

"Loved ones, should not have to pay to paint and protect a bench, when a very small plaque is attached to it.

"After all the seat in Poole Park or other open space is used by many.

"Is BOP considering adopting a Ryanair policy, that you have to pay to sit, extra if you have a bag?

"BOP should be ashamed of themselves."

Because of cutbacks, cash-strapped BOP has no budget to repair and maintain its public seating.

Many benches have fallen into disrepair and the council says it is important to find resources to improve the situation.

Figures show that while the donated bench scheme has been closed for the past five years, BOP does have more than 100 families who have expressed an interest in a memorial bench.

A BOP spokesman said: "In order to ensure that Poole remains a good place to live for all residents, as well as being welcoming to visitors, we are asking those families that have donated a bench - where the ten year period has expired - if they wish to continue to display their plaque.

"Where the ten year period has expired we have begun to contact original donors. Where personal details are out of date, we are searching for the details of families via various channels, in order to give them the opportunity to extend their donation period.

"We understand some donors may not wish to continue their donation and under those circumstances we will remove the plaque and return it to them."