Lake tribute removed after council distress fears

A tribute to four boys who died after falling through ice into a lake has been removed after a council said some found it distressing.

Brothers Samuel and Finlay Butler, six and eight, died along with their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, 10, at Babbs Mill park in Kingshurst, Solihull, in December 2022.

A spray-painted mural showing their likenesses with a wooden plaque reading "lost but not forgotten" was taken down last Thursday.

The local authority said a bench had been installed and plaque would be added soon.

"After engaging with the local community, a memorial bench was deemed a more appropriate long-lasting memorial," a spokesperson said.

"A plaque commemorating the boys will be added in the next few weeks.

“We continue to work with and support the local community following the awful tragedy at Babbs Mill.”

But some residents have been left unhappy by the move.

In January, a Facebook poll of residents found about 3,000 people - 97% of those who completed the survey - voted "no" when asked if they wanted the memorial taken away.

At the time, a local authority spokesperson said the council was conscious "some people found the spray-painted picture distressing".

Jo Cole, a community worker who lives in Kingshurst, said she believed residents were up in arms, questioning what consultation had taken place.

"The community would like some answers," she said.

The piece was created by individuals who had received housing and employment support from a local community group, and was praised by bereaved relatives when unveiled last year.

Beneath it there were four stars in block paving to represent each boy.

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