Bench mysteries – any style will do!

For anyone wondering what had happened to the benches that disappeared from York Hill Green opposite The Gardener’s Arms Pub recently, good news.  It transpires that the two benches on the green, which offer a welcome rest to walkers after the hike up the hill as well as panoramic views over London, had seen better days and one that was no longer usable had been taken away by Loughton Town Council. Both benches were later replaced (1)- numbered clockwise from top left.

A new bench accompanied by a ‘duckhouse’ litterbin (2) has been placed at the corner of York Hill and Potters Close.

And opposite Steeds Way on York Hill the smashed concrete seat has been replaced (3). The two benches on School Green at the bottom of York Hill (4&5), the official concrete bench is clearly unsafe with a rung missing and is apparently due to be repaired or replaced. In the meantime, a garden bench seems to have been donated as an unofficial replacement. It is

apparently due to be “recycled” by the council but hopefully not before the

official bench is repaired. All a joy for lovers of variety at least—but may be still not quite  what might be called conservation area standard?