COUNCILLORS have been clashing over where to install a new public bench in Rockwell Green.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s environment and open spaces committee had suggested that a new bench be placed opposite the Rockwell Green Chip Shop.

But the idea sparked disagreement among councillors at the council’s full meeting last week.

Cllr Vivienne Stock-Williams said she was all in favour of a bench being placed in Rockwell Green but not at the proposed location.

And Cllr Andrew Govier said: “There were problems when the bus shelter was there and I think that’s why we had to have the bus shelter taken away in the end.

“We do need a bench in Rockwell Green but I’m not sure where that right location is.”

Councillors were worried that the bench might become a problem area for anti-social behaviour and people hanging around outside the chip shop.

But Cllrs Nick Smith and Marcus Barr, who represent Rockwell Green, were disappointed at the reaction from their colleagues.

Cllr Barr said: “A lot of people stand outside the chip shop waiting for others to come out with chips.

“People will sit on the bench and will become a good place for people to have a chat.

“It’s a no-brainer – Rockwell Green needs this.”

Cllr Smith said he found it very disappointing that councillors immediately took a negative look at the proposed site for the bench.

But Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Lithgow said: “Putting a bench there will be asking for trouble. We will be getting all the complaints from people about it.”

Three new proposed public benches for Wellington were given the go-ahead by councillors.

These benches will go on the corner of Pear Tree Way and Torres Vedras Drive; the corner of Gay Street and Priory; and The Green at Oakfield Park.

But it is back to the drawing board on a location for a new bench in Rockwell Green.