MYSTERY surrounds the headstone of a former Farnworth benefactor.
Cllr Paul Sanders asked the council about the headstone of Liberal MP Thomas Barnes which he says was "removed by Bolton Council for renovation".
Cllr Sanders told the council that October 12 is an important day for Farnworth, the day in 1864 that Farnworth Park was gifted to the people by industrialist Mr Barnes. The park was opened by William Gladstone during one of his stints as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
He said that for many years Mr Barnes' headstone had been in Farnworth town centre until it was removed.
Cllr Sanders asked for "assurance that Thomas' headstone will be found and returned to a fitting location in Farnworth Park".
Cllr John Byrne, cabinet member for culture and sport, responded to the question.
Cllr Byrne said: "A search has been made. The council is unable to locate any information about the headstone, there's no records to say it was removed except in 2002 when The Bolton News said the council was cleaning the stone and restoring it."
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