Mum's sadness at not being able to reach memorial

A mother whose son died when he was a teenager says the closure of an island in the River Thames means she can no longer visit his memorial bench.

Irene Clark says she is "really sad" she has not been able to access Penton Hook Island near Staines for more than a year.

The Environment Agency (EA) closed the Surrey island in February 2025 after finding trees infected with ash dieback.

It says the island is currently in "a treacherous condition" and that "large branches could drop on the paths".

Clark's son Matthew, 17, died from leukaemia in 2009.

A memorial bench was placed in his honour on the island which is regularly visited by his family and friends.

She said: "We haven't been able to get to the island. I'm really sad about it. It is hurtful.

"In the summer we normally go there every weekend. It just makes me feel so much better.

"It makes me feel so much closer to my son."

The EA is due to hold a meeting with locals to update them on the situation and when the island might reopen.

Clark added: "This isn't fair on the people who live here.

"It's a wonderful place to take children."

An EA spokesperson said: "As landowners we are responsible for members of the public who we allow on the island, including those who want to visit memorials.

"Memorial benches may be able to be moved elsewhere, and memorial trees can be assessed to understand if they will be impacted by any tree management work on the island.

"We are currently working with partners to develop an affordable solution that will allow us to remove dangerous trees from the island so it can be reopened to visitors."

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