Benches: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, fairly often, especially when I'm out for a stroll at the weekend. If I've been walking for an hour or so, I like to take a breather on a park bench and watch the world go by. It's a nice way to unwind.

Mostly in our neighbourhood park and along the pedestrian high street. The council put several new ones near the fountain recently, which has become a popular spot for elderly residents to sit and have a chat in the mornings.

Definitely wooden ones, to be honest. Metal benches can get freezing cold in winter and scorchingly hot during summer afternoons. Timber has a much warmer feel to it, and it just blends in far better with natural surroundings like green spaces.

Not really, because I was always full of energy and running around with my cousins. Sitting still on a bench felt a bit boring back then. We only ever sat down if our parents called us over to have a snack or tie our shoelaces.

I think so, particularly near bus stops and along hilly footpaths. A lot of older people struggle with long walks to the shops, so having a few extra resting spots would make the town much more accessible and welcoming for everyone.