New 'green' seafront benches in Minehead (From Somerset County Gazette)

New 'green' seafront benches in Minehead

6:30am Tuesday 7th August 2012 in West Somerset By Hannah Green

BENCHES made largely from recycled plastic have given a new lease of life to the seafront on Minehead’s Esplanade.

The 18 new low-maintenance benches have metal frames and aim to provide an economic alternative with ‘green’ credentials as they can be recycled at the end of their use.

Section 106 funding using developer contributions for improvements to the seafront were used to pay for the project.

Cllr David Sanders, West Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and economic growth, said: “We were able to maximise the number of benches purchased by using our own grounds maintenance staff to carry out the installation.

“I think everyone will agree they have done a great job and it has made a real improvement to the Esplanade.”

Yvonne Baker, from Alcombe uses the Esplanade every day and was delighted with the new seating. She said: “The benches look lovely on the seafront.”