[jaysay]

Originally Posted by garinda

Well, thank you Clare, for a very prompt reply.

I appreciate your concern about the removal of the benches from the Market Hall. It is a regrettable step we have had to take but we have had to consider the disruption caused by individuals who were using the benches in an anti-social manner and the considerable damage caused to the Market Halls reputation. The police support and fully condone our actions and we are working with partners, including the police, PCT and Maundy Grange to try to look at ways to address the situation and manage the behaviour. As a result I am afraid I am unable to provide details of when the benches will return at the moment as we cannot put a timescale on the steps we are implementing . However, there are a number of benches inside the Market Hall (20 yards away) you are welcome to use and there are three benches located outside the Town Hall (20 yards away) that you can access. I really do appreciate your issue Gary and I do have a great deal of sympathy for the points you raise, however I have to consider the wider disruption of the behaviour that was happening there.


Though personally I'm still at a loss as to why you can't say when these benches will be returned.

It makes even less sense, in tackling this issue, than if they were removed permanently. Which would at least have shown a little logic.

So, I'm happy at least I've had an answer from the person with the authority to rectify this problem.

Though I'm not happy with the response.

On behalf of all the non-alcoholics who used these benches, I fear I shall continue to grumble that it was a stupid thing to do, until they are returned...eventually.

Whenever that might be.

Oh, and by the way, the other benches you mentioned are very often full.

Especially more so now. Now that the number of places to sit in this area has been greatly reduced.

If I ever shop in Accrington again, and am in need of a seat, and these benches are full, I'll mention your name, and tell them could they please give their seat up for me, as Cllr. Clare Pritchard has told me I can sit there.

Thanks.

Its fine sending emails but why not post it on here, or is it just because your the one shouting the loudest Rindi, do the rest of use not matter, is it catching, we've already seen that the MP doesn't give a toss for the electorate, looks like councillors are the same