A BEREAVED family's request for a memorial plaque on a playground bench has been turned down by Silverdale Parish Council.

The council said it was "most concerned" to hear from the family that the late villager's ashes had already been "deposited" at the Silverdale children's play area, according to the unconfirmed minutes of the recent parish council meeting. The playground was said to be close to where the deceased once lived.

The council said scattering ashes requires permission from the landowner. Given the land's purpose, councillors considered this was "inappropriate" and they would not have consented.

For the same reason, Silverdale parish councillors said no to the memorial plaque and to flowers being placed in the playground.