Published: November 05, 2008 11:04 pm      

United Bank volunteers to pay for damage done at Thornhill Courts

United Bank Marketing President Doug Ernest said after reading The Register-Herald’s report about a car that smashed through the fence and damaged property at the new Thornhill Courts, he felt compelled to do something about it.

“It was such a shame after the dedication and all the hard work that this unfortunate accident would happen,” Ernest said. “United Bank has a special and long-term relationship with Mr. (Warren) Thornhill, so we wanted the new park to be fixed as soon as possible.”

Thornhill Courts, named for the retired Beckley attorney, was dedicated last Friday and damaged in the early morning hours of Sunday. Damage estimates have been put at about $1,000.

Sherry Miller, 48, of Beckley, was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and failure to produce automobile insurance, according to Beckley police Capt. Tomi Peck.

“We didn’t know if there was insurance to fix it or how long it would take, but we wanted it to be fixed soon, so I called the Beckley Area Foundation and said United Bank volunteers wanted to pay to have the damage fixed now,” Ernest said.

Bruce Lazenby, treasurer of the Beckley Area Foundation, says United Bank has always given back to the community.

“They certainly are great corporate neighbors,” Lazenby said. “United Bank is constantly giving back to the communities they serve and they really care about the community. This is another wonderful example of that caring for community.”

Lazenby added he hopes the driver will be able to produce proof of insurance and the bank will be reimbursed.

The park took three years of intense planning and work.

“The benefits of the park are undisputed,” Ernest said.

The new recreation outlet at the 200 block of Second Street occupies the spot where a decaying old vocational-technical center once stood. It was the culmination of a project that included the City of Beckley, Beckley Area Foundation, Beaver Coal Co., Raleigh County Board of Education and Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.

— E-mail:

fpace@register-herald.com