Bench honour for murdered student

Ben Bellamy drowned after being attacked on a beach

An octagonal cast iron bench on Swansea's promenade is being built as a permanent memorial for murdered sixth former Ben Bellamy.

Ben, 17, from Sketty Park, Swansea died after he was attacked walking home from a night out in Mumbles along the seafront in September 2005.

Two teenagers are serving life for the killing, a third was given a five year term for manslaughter.

The large octagonal bench will now be erected opposite the Brynmill arch.

The bench will be about seven metres wide at the base and at the centre will be a granite table with an inscription commemorating Ben.

The friends and family of Ben have been working with Swansea Council to ensure his memory lives on.

Ben's death is a personal tragedy to those who knew and loved him. Council leader Chris Holley

After fundraising the group approached the council's parks section which manages the promenade with their wishes.

Parks assistant area manager John Hopkins said: "The group were overwhelmed with support from the general public of Swansea when they began fundraising.

"They have been through designs and styles with us and have selected to build an octagonal bench which will allow people to sit facing inwards or outwards."

The bench is now on order and will take around 12 weeks to make.

Pause for reflection

Council leader Chris Holley said, "Ben's death is a personal tragedy to those who knew and loved him.

"But it is right though that the people of Swansea should have the opportunity to pay their own respects.

"A memorial on the promenade that will give people the chance to sit down and pause for reflection is a fitting way to remember him."

Last week Joel Taylor, 18, and Joshua Thomas, 16, both from Swansea had appeals against their life sentences thrown out at the Royal Court of Justice for killing Ben.