THE community is rallying around in support of Ava Scott's family after they were told by solicitors they cannot leave item's on their daughter's memorial bench.

Ava was diagnosed with the rare cancer Ewing's Sarcoma in 2012 and died in September 2013 aged just eight.

Last week, the Warrington Guardian reported that her parents Janine and Alex received a letter from solicitors, acting on behalf of Butts Green (Kingswood) Management Company Ltd, saying they had 'no right' to place mementos for Ava.

The management company is made up of a small number of residents who live on the Butts Green estate in Kingswood.

Family friend Linzi Perriman set up the petition to help Janine and Alex reach a compromise with the residents management committee.

She said: "Janine and Alex are well aware that communal areas are to be enjoyed by all of the residents in the area, but the small mementos that are left on anniversaries do not affect their enjoyment or use of the bench, nor do they constitute as litter.

"What I personally find most upsetting is that the select few residents that are on the management company didn’t bother to speak to Janine and Alex, they called in the lawyers straightaway.

"As a family lawyer myself, I am fully aware of the benefits of trying to adopt a constructive and conciliatory approach that meets the needs of both parties. There is always a compromise.

"Janine and Alex are good people who just want to keep the memory of their daughter alive with small mementos that do not hurt anybody."

Many residents, family members and friends enjoy visiting the bench and leave small items for Ava around anniversaries and Christmas.

Her schoolfriends in particular take comfort from being able to visit the bench.

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Janine said: "The green was one of Ava's favourite places to go.

"She used to ask 'mum can we go to the green', she learned to ride a bike there and my nine-year-old son loves going there.

"We have a lot of happy memories there, it means a lot to us as a family."

Linzi added: "We hope this petition will mean select few on the management company will change their mind about letting Janine, family and friends leave items for Ava on special dates."

You can sign the petition here.