Commemorative bench sought to remember Tidy Towns stalwart

A REQUEST has been made to Fingal County Council to place a commemorative park bench in Swords Castle town park to remember the late Des Becton.

Mr Becton, who was chairperson of Swords Tidy Towns, passed away before Christmas. He was widely regarded for his Trojan work in the town over many years.

The council said its operations department and previously the environment and parks departments enjoyed a long and productive relationship with Mr Becton in his role in Swords Tidy Towns.

“Des generously gave of his time and talents during years of dedicated service to his community,

? a spokesperson said.

“Des was very easy to work with as he understood the importance of a mutually collaborative relationship and was always appreciative of the efforts of the county council to improve the public realm in Swords.

“Swords Tidy Towns will no doubt miss his organisational skills, his enduring commitment and easygoing leadership.

“The operations department will work with Swords Tidy Towns to ensure a continuation of the good working relationship in the spirit of combined efforts towards a shared goal.

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The council said it would be more appropriate if a commemoration were to come from the Swords Tidy Towns group itself.

“The operations department would happily facilitate the Tidy Towns installing a memorial plaque on one of the existing park benches in Swords Town Park subject to agreement on appropriate wording and agreement of the family,

? the spokesperson added.

“Alternatively an ornamental tree could be planted at a suitable location in Swords that would contribute to the amenity of the town for many years to come.

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Swords ward councillor Darragh Butler (FF), one of the Fingal councillors who tabled the motion, said Mr Becton worked tirelessly for Swords year after year and achieved some really great results.

“Thanks to Des and his team, Swords improved dramatically over the years in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) and annual Tidy Towns awards,

? Cllr Butler told Northside People.

“His dedication to Swords was remarkable and second to none. It was a pleasure to know and work with Des. He kept us all on our toes and will be very sadly missed by us all.

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