Dover benches designed to be uncomfortable, council bosses admit

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/apr/10/dover-benches-designed-uncomfortable-council-bosses

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Benches installed in the centre of a seaside town have been deliberately designed to be uncomfortable, council bosses have admitted.

Labour-run Dover town council said it was hoped the wave-shaped benches would deter "extended sitting".

The benches, which are made of seven curved strips of metal to blend in with the shape of the waves, do not have a back or armrest so that shoppers only sit on them for a few minutes.

The chair of the community and services department, Councillor Sue Jones, said: "If they were too comfortable, we would have the gentlemen and ladies of the day lounging on them. They discourage antisocial behaviour."

A local resident, June Murphy, said she was considering staging a protest on one of the benches by sitting on a cushion. She said: "What's the point of having benches if they are not there to be sat on? They might as well put an electric fence up so everyone keeps out."