SHOPPERS and visitors to Winchester's High Street have been left perplexed by the removal of the city centre benches. 

Most of the seating in the city centre, such as that near the Buttercross, has been removed, leaving small holes where the bench legs once stood. 

One visitor, Jackie Powell, from Andover, said she was dismayed to not be able to find a spot to sit on March 23. 

She has recently recovered from major surgery so needed a place to rest. 

She said: "Whenever I come into Winchester I like to sit by the Buttercross but this time there were not any seats. The shops did not have a clue where they had gone, there were no signs, one person said they had gone away for the coronation, but most didn't know. 

"They have all gone too, not just one or two. I just needed somewhere to sit and wait for my friend. It's not just about resting, and waiting, but it's also a social thing too, I like to talk to the people while sitting there."

Hampshire Chronicle:

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The benches have been removed by Winchester City Council for maintenance. 

In January, the Hampshire Chronicle reported on their removal, with the council saying they would be 'replaced as soon as possible.' 

After asking for an update, a council spokesperson said that work was still underway - and on track to be returned in April. 

They said: "From the Broadway up to Jewry Street we’ve already renewed seven of the standard benches with new ones – we’ve also provided an additional two to replace ones that were removed in previous years when they were beyond repair. These are already in place.

"Additionally, we removed seven bespoke benches and they are currently being refurbished by the manufacturer – Factory Furniture. These are due to be returned mid-April and will be installed soon after.  It was more cost-effective to ship them at the same time, than individually.  

SEE ALSO: Benches removed for maintenance in Winchester High Street

"In the meantime, to make up for the temporary reduction of seating, we have converted the concrete planters in the high street into seats (near M&S and the Guildhall)  – adding wooden slatted tops to them for comfort.

"By the end of the works, there will therefore be an overall increase in seating areas in the High Street, but we do apologise for the inconvenience in the meantime."