Last week the Ross Gazette reported that a permanent site for the Falklands memorial bench is still to be decided. The bench has been purchased by the Ross Branch of the Royal British Legion, and is ready to be dedicated at a special ceremony on April 14th at the Market Place.

Unfortunately due to planned works at the Market House the bench is unable to be installed on the Market apron so it will be temporarily sited at the Prospect.

The Ross Gazette asked for reader’s views on where the bench should be permanently placed – by the Market House or on the Prospect.

The Gazette received many replies via social media and some letters which have been published here.

The overwhelming majority called for the Market Place, although some people did think that it should be placed with other war memorials on the prospect. Brian Wagalot said: “More graceful and decent I think.”

Glyn Powell raised a concern, “More likely to get vandalised up the Prospect.” And Gary Griffiths said: “Market place in view of the CCTV.”

Several readers also suggested that the families of those who lost relatives in the conflict should have the final say.

Martyn Jenkins said: “As Tim Jenkins’ brother I would personally like to see this memorial bench to these fine men who gave so much in our Market House area as I know Tim loved Ross.”

Tony Fletcher agreed. He added: “A fitting place for the memorial bench, right in the centre of town, where everyone can see it, Timmy and his fallen comrades deserve it.”

Sally Beswick said: “Sounds like it should be the Market Place then - and then near the raised bed with the poppies and crosses plus the Last Post on Remembrance Day.”

Daniel Lister said: “I guess at the Market Place it can be kept an eye on more often and cleaned too, but if it was placed by the flower beds next to Prontos and the Crown this is where the businesses often leave their rubbish to be collected and night time activities take place with ciggies left all around the bench. If ’’I'm going to sit quietly and remember I’d rather do so in the prospect with a view.”

Coralie Carly Brown said: “I like the idea of the prospect with all the other memorials, but also think the Market Place where it can be seen by tourists and kept an eye on considering the amount of hard work that has gone into the fund raising etc.”