NOT everyone is happy about a new bench dedicated to an American “gangsta rapper” in Newhaven.

The memorial to former NWA star Eazy-E was unveiled by town mayor Graham Amy on Wednesday after a fundraising campaign set up by resident Guy Stevens.

But some are concerned about the damage to the town’s reputation. One angry resident said he was “truly shocked and outraged” by the decision to allow the bench.

William Bartoli told the council : “You are all responsible for polluting our cherished town.

“I would have applauded Guy’s interest and hard work in raising the funds until I discovered it was a shrine to a drug dealing rapper whose many song titles included ‘F*** the Police’. Who is the idiot in the council who sanctioned this project?”

He raged: “Would I get permission to have a memorial bench for Jimmy Savile? I think not.”

“What do I say to my young grandson when he asks me who is the person commemorated on this bench?

“I wish I could say someone inspirational and not someone who sang ‘I’d Rather F*** You’.”

In response, Councillor Pinky McLean said she was “saddened” to hear that Mr Bartoli had been upset by the bench, which was “a project of passion from a local taxpayer”.

She wrote: “We have no objection to benches dedicated to people they hold dear, within reason. They are a practical monument ... and many people over the years will have use of them. Although we may not agree with lyrics that this American man wrote, he sadly died too young from a disease that is both tragic and still to this day by some, misunderstood [Aids].

“It is important to also note that the remainder of the funds Mr Stevens raised went to an Aids charity, which is a wonderful thing.

“There are many music legends who have not lived a truly wholesome life and recorded songs and lyrics that offend. But they are just humans. Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright was too.

“He was just a man who has been remembered on a bench and, while not everyone’s cup of tea, made many, many people happy.”

Mr Stevens, who campaigned for the bench, said: “I’d encourage everyone to get a bench of a dead rapper in their town.”

Unveiling the bench, Councillor Amy said: “I would like to see a John Lennon bench – that was more my era.

“After looking up Eazy -E on the internet, I am now an expert on gangster rap.

“His LP ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was rated as one of the best ever made, and for me, that’s fascinating, because I didn’t have a clue who he was.”