THE contrasting sides of a Thurrock community have been illustrated by an incident in Stanford-le-Hope where a good deed is being lauded with praise equal to the condemnation of vandals who attempted to wreck a tribute to a much-loved town man.

Just over a week ago a bench erected in tribute to former Stanford cricketer Charlie Dowsett was damaged by a recalcitrant quad-bike riding youth who is well-known in the local community for his complete disregard for others, frequently riding his vehicle across sports grounds and endangering children and other members of the public.

He is also suspected of a number of acts of vandalism.

He drove his bike into the bench known as Charlie's Bench at the Stanford Recreation ground, causing some damage and knocking it partially off its fixings.

Then, at some point over this weekend, the bench was revisited by vandals who smashed part of it to bits, causing substantial damage.

The destruction was spotted by a number of local people and the incident caused considerable comment on social media in the town – prompting the creation of a Just Giving page to raise funds for its repair.

But already one local man has stepped into action and made good most of the damage, though one piece remains to be fixed.

The bench was erected in memory of and as tribute to Charles William Dowsett, 84, who was a member of Stanford cricket club for decades before his death in October 2020 following a Covid-related illness.

Charlie played for Stanford between 1980 and 1996 and remained connected with it after his playing days ended. In recognition of his loyal service to the club, Mr Dowsett was made an honorary life member in 1998.

He was described by a former teammate as a real gentleman and a great and much-loved member of the club and wider Stanford community.

A tribute after his death from the club said: "To say he gave a lot to the Club would be a massive understatement. Apart from opening the batting for the 2nd XI for most of his career, he was fixture secretary for many years, at a time when we ran three sides on both Saturdays and Sundays.

"He, along with his lovely wife Pat, organised our first tour to the Cambridge area in 1986 from which many of us still have great memories. He captained various sides throughout the years and was instrumental in developing the careers of many young cricketers in the 1980s and 90s.

"Charlie was one of those dependable and practical people that would always put his hand up when a job needed doing. It was therefore fitting that he made the large SRGUG noticeboard that hangs in our clubhouse today."

The bench was put in place in June this year and unveiled at a ceremony attended by his family.

The shock and anger at the attack on it prompted local man Chris Denton to grab his tools and repair the bench as much as possible.

His actions have been received with gratitude and thanks from the club.

Money had already been donated to the fundraising page started by local resident Sophie Brown and it currently stands at £78. She is now looking for suggestions as to what to use the donation for.