Locals bewildered by new bench with 'lovely view' of derelict building
A council has defended the placing of a new bench overlooking a derelict building and metal fences that has left locals bewildered.
Residents of Shirehampton, Bristol were mystified over the seat which they say is placed facing "completely the wrong way".
The bench was spotted by local resident Mary Harding, who snapped a picture and posted it to her local community Facebook group.
The unusually positioned seat faces away from the picturesque town – and directly towards a derelict nursery that is soon to be demolished.
"The reason why people are so astonished is not just that it’s facing away from the village but that it currently faces the boarded-up nursery cottage and derelict greenhouses, which will soon become a building site," she said.
Harding added: "It's a lovely bench - but crazy planning."
Her post on the local Facebook group received over 250 likes and comments – with residents reacting in similar confusion.
Residents agreed they had also noticed the mystifying seating arrangement, describing it as "ludicrous" and "complete lunacy".
Several respondents said it was a waste of money to position the bench in the way it has been.
Bristol council confirmed to Yahoo News that the bench was positioned correctly and that it allows for more accessibility for those with mobility issues. They said if it faced the other way then disabled people may struggle to access it.
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: "The bench on Woodwell Road has been placed to provide a rest point for people and is positioned in a way that provides views along Woodwell Road with the wooded hills, the other side of the Avon, visible in the distance.
"Designs for the works on the road, including the addition of a bench and it’s positioning were shared online and in person with no comments received about the location. Plans for the area include shrub planting adjacent to the bench and the private development of the building opposite."
