Bench crafted by pensioner stolen from popular Peterborough walking route

There were five benches in total, until one was taken, most likely late on Tuesday, and all are part of a personal project by local resident Peter Dunnell (84) known as Knocker, a nickname given to him by neighbours due to the noise created by his regular DIY projects.

Mr Dunnell, who has been diagnosed with cancer, says he doesn’t know how long he has left but wanted to do something to keep busy alongside doing good for the community.

He created the first bench intended for the site in July, although that now sits outside the front of his home as a memorial to his partner Diane, who was taken by the same disease last year.

The other benches sit along the public bridleway just off Wykes Way that leads to Stilton, known as The Wykes. Each was laid out equidistant to the others, to give people who need it a place to sit down and rest, while also observing the nature.

The site means a lot to Mr Dunnell as it is where his father-in-law, Harry, always used to take his dog for a walk.

He said; “My father-in-law used to love it so much he’d say, ‘when I’m gone just chuck me down The Wykes in a cardboard box’.

“It is a lovely walk and you can see so many different animals. I’ve seen pheasants, stoats, weasels and I have heard stories of muntjacs being so comfortable around people they have gone right up to them.

“There has been a lot of people walking that way lately and I thought it would be a good idea to make some seats to help out people who can’t walk as far, still access the route.”

All the materials used in the benches are recycled. A lot of the wood is from old church pews, and all benches are inscribed with ‘Knocker’ on them.

The one that has gone missing also read “have a rest” and will be greatly missed by the community.

Mr Dunnell added: “I’m flabbergasted to see that so many people have reacted and commented to my daughter Linda’s post about it on Facebook.

“I’m over the moon with the response to them generally. I’ve spoken to people in the chemist and in the supermarket and it’s great to see their faces light up when I tell them I was the one who put the benches there.

“It’s dissapointing to see this one taken though. I had actually planned to put ‘Take a seat’ on it but changed it as I thought that would be too much of an invitation.”