Family's heartache as tribute to Bexhill cyclist is removed

QUOTE:
The family of a Bexhill man who died in a collision on Combe Valley Way has been left 'saddened and disheartened' after a tribute to him was removed. Antoney Colley died when he was involved in a collision along the A2690 Combe Valley Way at about 6.20am on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

The 53-year-old night security officer, of Sewell Avenue, Bexhill, was declared dead at the scene.

In the days following his death, two bicycle wheels and a helmet were left at the scene as a tribute to Antoney. However, on Wednesday (June 10), Antoney's step daughter Gaynor Fuller said the wheels had been removed from the tribute.

The helmet, and a little extra piece left by Antoney's widow Jan - which she placed there on the first anniversary of his death - have been left.

Gaynor said her family was feeling saddened and disheartened by the removal of the wheels.

She added: "A friend has spoken to East Sussex Highways today and have confirmed that they weren’t removed by them. So they were in fact stolen. "

After posting about the incident on Facebook, two more wheels have been placed back at the scene, 'donated by another member of the public'.

Gaynor said she and her family could not believe how many people have been upset by the incident.

Today, Gaynor said: "We weren’t sure yesterday but has been confirmed today that they were stolen.

"It has caused great heartache for my mum and our family. We have wonderful friends and community that has rallied round to replace them for us and Antoney."

Last month, Gaynor and Jan thanked the community for the tribute to Antoney as they marked the first anniversary since his death.

Mathew George Gardiner, 35, of Preston Road, Bexhill, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty at a hearing on February 26, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He is due to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on July 17.

https://www.bexhillobserver.net/news...emoved-2881346