HARBOUR Housing staff and residents, several of whom are veterans, have cleaned and tidied the listed memorial bench to Captain Thomas Charles Reginald Agar-Robartes MP in St Austell, ahead of a wreath-laying to honour his service and sacrifice.

The bench, which is located at the junction of Park Road and Truro Road and was unveiled in 1922, commemorates Captain Agar-Robartes of the Coldstream Guards, the Member of Parliament for the St Austell Division who was killed on September 30, 1915, after rescuing a wounded comrade under heavy fire.

Alongside the charity’s activities and volunteering coordinator and ex serving member, Clare and the team scrubbed graffiti, cleared litter and refreshed the area around the monument to ensure it looked its best for those paying their respects. The memorial sits by Truro Road Park, a well-used green space for local families and visitors.

Tim Styles, vice chair of Harbour Housing and himself a veteran, said: “Seeing our staff and clients, especially veterans restore the Agar-Robartes memorial before laying wreaths was powerful. It’s a quiet act of respect for a man who served this community in Parliament and on the front line, and a reminder that we stand with veterans today who may need housing and support.”

Among those present was Harbour Housing staff member Clare Thomson, who served two tours in the Gulf. Working with residents, she helped create the wreaths that were laid at the memorial.

Clare said: “It was an honour to be part of preparing and laying wreaths today. Having served myself, I know how important it is that we remember those who came before us and it meant a lot to do this alongside the clients and veterans we work with.”

Harbour Housing is a Cornish charity providing supported accommodation and outreach services to individuals who have experienced, or are at risk of, homelessness.