A NEW 'friendly bench' in Stourbridge town centre has been unveiled by the Mayor of Dudley.
Councillor Hilary Bills was invited to take the wraps off the new bench, near the subway in Foster Street, on World Kindness Day (November 13).
Stourbridge u3a, working on behalf of Stourbridge in Bloom, led a campaign to raise the cash to fund the bench which it is hoped will become a meeting point for friends old and new.
Councillor Andrew Tromans, who represents Wollaston and Stourbridge Town, said "Back in July, I met members of Stourbridge U3A who asked me if I could make some enquiries at the council about getting a bench installed.
"With the power of a caring community, good will from Dudley Council officers and a bit of coordination we have managed to get the friendly bench installed. I hope this facility is well used by weary shoppers and that some new friendships are made by those who stop to rest."
Brenda Stevenson, of Stourbridge u3a, said: “As part of our work in helping Stourbridge in Bloom, in 2019 we were given the responsibility of Foster Street to keep tidy and plant.
“We felt it needed somewhere for people to rest before and after shopping, and for young people to meet their friends.
“The community has really come together to help make it happen and it is great to see the bench in place.
“It really shows how many people care about Stourbridge and are willing to give up their time and money to improve our town.”
Councillor Hilary Bills, the Mayor of Dudley, added: “This is an absolutely fantastic idea and I was delighted to go along and officially unveil the new bench.
“It is in a perfect location for people just arriving or leaving the town, and I hope it will be the site of many conversations and the start of many new friendships.”
Funding contributions for the bench came from Stourbridge in Bloom, Pre Metro Operations, Lin Gibson and Johanna Clarke. Lin contributed on behalf of the family of the late Des Smart, a former pharmacist in the town. The bench commemorates Mr Smart and his family.
Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles (Labour) welcomed the installation of the new bench and praised all those involved in helping to bring the project to fruition.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here