New benches in Trowbridge, funded by £16.3M, raise safety concerns. Residents find them hazardous, lacking armrests and posing risks.
One local shop owner, Bill Ellis, heard concerns. His customers worry about the benches’ safety. A woman feared her son’s fingers might get stuck. An elderly man struggled to stand up. The benches had no helpful armrests.
Ellis is worried about safety after these talks. He says he mistook the benches for a messed up bin. He has talked to many after installation. People did not seem consulted by the council. He questions if the council did a risk assessment. People think a bench on Wicker Hill is a hazard.
Some think benches look like cheese graters. Wiltshire Council installed eighteen “cheese grater” benches. They also put in six benches with backs and armrests. All Urban Ltd and Artform Urban Furniture supplied seats. About fifty furniture pieces exist, says Cllr Palmen. Bins and future planters are also included.
Cllr Clewer says the benches improve public spaces. Trowbridge Town Council helped develop the schemes. The Town Council approved the furniture’s style. A local company created design proposals.
Residents gave feedback in early 2022. Most disliked the town center’s public spaces. A second engagement focused on river and space designs. This shaped the final designs approved.
Twenty-four of the new benches got installed. This offers more seating choices. Planters with seats get placed on streets soon. Some people may not like the designs. But, Trowbridge Town Council approved them.
Cllr Palmen says the benches are part of a project. Wiltshire Council used “Bibo” to find furniture. Stakeholders helped narrow down choices. The Town Council okayed the final plans.
Safety requirements were assumed covered. Wiltshire Council was responsible for purchase and install. Public consultation seemed to suggest modern benches. The consultation may have been misleading, he admits. The Town Council may reposition benches later.