Memorial bench is unveiled for Missy the cat

The Mayor of Havant borough, Faith Ponsonby, will unveil a memorial bench in honour of Missy The Bus Stop Cat.

The 12-year-old moggy was well-known across Leigh Park as the Bus Stop Cat because she would wait at the number 39 stop in Leigh Park as passengers got on and off the bus.

In February her death from horrific injuries led to an outpouring of grief from the public because it was initially thought she had been attacked. It is now believed she was hit by a car.

The sadness prompted online donations in her memory and £1,700 has been used to pay for a permanent memorial bench.

The bench, created by local chainsaw sculptor Chris Bain has been placed on the grass verge in Dunsbury Way, directly opposite Missy’s favourite bus shelter.

Cllr Ponsonby will unveil the bench at 2pm today.

Councillor Ponsonby said: ‘It is a tribute to the community of Leigh Park, too, that so much has been raised for this memorial. Missy was a friend for many passers-by, some of whom may not have been allowed to have an animal of their own to love in their rented accommodation. I shall look forward to sitting in the sun on the bench, alongside the carving of Missy.’