Family’s anger at removal of tribute to local man

THE relative of a local man who died 17 years ago, has expressed his anger at the removal of a plaque that was erected in his memory, at the recycling centre in Bowerhill.

In July 2001, Paul Parker’s father-in-law, David Sprules, was killed in a traffic accident. Well-known around the town for collecting unwanted household scrap and clearing fly-tipping from the lanes on his bicycle and trailer, the community decided to name the recycling centre after him in his honour.

However, after the centre was refurbished last year, Paul has discovered that David’s plaque has been taken down.

“We never really knew how much David was liked by the local community until his funeral, the turnout was overwhelming,” explained Paul Parker. “In the aftermath of David’s death, his widow Marjorie and family were asked by the Mayor of Melksham if they could name the brand new recycling centre being built at Bowerhill in his memory.

“This was such a touching tribute to David that the family agreed, and so Marjorie had the honour of cutting the tape to the brand new David Sprules recycling centre.

“Seeing his name plaque at the entrance to the centre reminded the family of what the people of Melksham thought about David.

“After all these years and the recent revamp of the centre, David’s name plaque has been taken down – an insult to his memory. Why I ask? Is it time we forget about those people honoured by the town?

“Although Marjorie passed away in 2013 I’m sure she would have been horrified at David’s name plaque being taken down, as are the surviving members of the family.”

Wiltshire Council was approached for comment, but had not responded by the time the newspaper went to press.