A new bench installed next to the Carriage Works has been labelled 'risky' and 'a waste of money'.

Swindon Borough Council is behind the project which aims to improve the experience for people visiting one of the town's most historic areas.

But the local authority has attracted criticism after the bench appeared on London Road this week.

Some commenters feel that its location may even be dangerous. It is situated on a section of pavement that sticks out into the road, facing a wall away from the flow of traffic.

In response, the council stressed that the area around the bench is unfinished and will make more sense when the project is complete. 

One member of the public wrote to the Adver and said: "Who in their right mind designed and placed a bench facing away from oncoming traffic on a road with a jolt out that is a hazard itself?

"Who is designing this for Swindon and why on earth face it away from traffic?

"I know they will say some nonsense but a bench there! Shocking and risky."

Another shared an image of the bench on Twitter/X and said: "What's the point of this bench? Seems like a waste of money and resource."

The council has defended the move, saying that the bench will be a valuable "resting place" for people taking part in the town's newly launched heritage trails. 

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: “As part of the improvement works ongoing in the Railway Village, we’re in the process of making London Street a better and more pleasant environment for pedestrians.

“This includes the addition of new trees, planters, benches and a pocket park outside the Sheppard Street underpass.

“The work is still taking place and the area around the pictured bench is not yet complete as further improvements are planned. When finished it will provide a resting place for those visiting the historic quarter or those navigating their way round the new heritage trails that have been created.

“The enhancements in the local area link in with the ongoing regeneration of the Carriage Works which, in the future, will have new businesses and organisations with more people visiting and working in the area.”

The council is investing £3 million into this work which involved the pavement in front of the Carriage Works being widened, trees planted, and the space outside the Bristol Street tunnel improved with new railings and planting.

There will also be additional trees being planted on Sheppard Street, a pocket park created outside the Sheppard Street underpass, which links North Star with the town centre and both underpasses will see drainage improvements.

Some of this work has already been completed.