A STEEP rise in the cost of installing memorial benches in Southend Cemetery has been heavily criticised.

Bob Byford, 55, hoped to get a memorial bench in memory of his mother-in-law Francis Stannett, who died last year at the age of 76.

Last year this would have cost him £1,445, but this year it has gone up to £1,764 for a 4ft wide teak bench with plaque and a 25 year lease.

Mr Byford of Seaview Road, Shoebury said the increase was unjustified.

He said: "I am a builder by trade and I know I could buy a bench for £300 and fit the whole thing for £700 including the concrete base.

"How can Southend council justify a price increase of over £300 for a memorial bench over last year's pricing. I feel that they are taking advantage of grieving families who want a memorial for a loved one.

"You aren't allowed to supply one yourself so they have you over a barrel."

A council spokesman said the price had increased by £15 for the bench and a £130 increase for the charge for the lease, but there was also an increase of £174 VAT which didn't apply last year.

He said the increases were imposed by the previous administration and sent the Echo an old quote from leader at the time, Ron Woodley which told how £13.7m of savings needed to be made in 2016/17 - and more than £33.4m over the next three years.

Southend Council leader John Lamb said he wasn't sure anything would change.

He said: “There is not a lot we can do about it really.

"We did raise this at the time when going through the budget process, but the previous administration did put it through.

“We said we would look at it and we will but it’s difficult to alter it now.

"We can’t do anything about the VAT but we will look at it again.

"Overall it is a small increase for the amount of time of the lease. During the 25 years of the lease we maintain the benches.

“We will look at it in the next budget but as things get tighter and tighter so we have to be sure of the figures.”