DELIGHTED campaigners are celebrating after a bench blackspot will be filled after complaints elderly people struggled to find seating in town.

The bench, one of two proposed by The Vale of Evesham Civic Society, will be placed at the top end of Bridge Street but is still subject to planning approval. 

The civic society asked Evesham Town Council for two new benches after elderly residents said there was a lack of available seating in the area. 

Gill Pawson, chair of The Vale of Evesham Civic Society, said: "We are delighted that the council has approved our recommendation for a new commemorative bench on Bridge Street. 

"A number of elderly residents had come to us and told us about the distance between benches in that area and so we went to the town council. 

"I think the elderly generation will be delighted with the decision, however until a bench is actually there, we will just have to wait and see."

The bench will commemorate the coronation of King Charles III and cost £1,245. 

Evesham Town Council would normally fund the project however Worcestershire County Councillor, Emma Stokes agreed to fund the bench in full through her Divisional Fund. 

Councillor Stokes, whose division is Evesham South, said: "I am very happy to do it. 

"It's for the benefit of everyone in the town and benches are always useful.

"There are lots of residents who want to walk around town but can't so the benches are critical. 

"It will be utilised and enjoyed by all, subject to agreement for its ideal location."

The decision to approve a bench was made during a town council meeting on September 9. 

A bench celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 was also supposed to be discussed at the meeting, however, the designer could not provide the details in time. 

John Clatworthy, Evesham Town Council councillor, said: "One or two older residents have brought this to our attention and we are delighted to have approved a new bench. 

"There is quite a stretch on Bridge Street without a bench where the residents would like one. 

"I'm in favour of any improvements to help the town centre become more visually attractive."