WELLINGTON is set to see more seating dotted around the town for the public to use.

Town councillors agreed at its latest meeting on Monday, June 3 that £2,000, for the cost of one or two seats a year plus its maintenance, would be covered by the council annually starting at the next financial year.

The idea was created by Cllr John Thorne, who is also a county councillor, after he was inspired by a friend with mobility issues who pointed out the town’s lack of seats.

He said: “We used to have a lot more public seats around the town where people could sit and rest, but for a number of different reasons we have gradually lost them over the years.

“Providing extra public seating will help to encourage people to walk more as part of an active and healthy lifestyle.

“It will also hopefully allow shoppers to stay longer in the town centre and boost trade, and it will make the town more attractive for visitors.”

Cllr Thorne worked with Cllr Will Brown and fellow Conservative Robin Dickinson to map out 40 potential new sites to add to the existing nine benches already across the town.

The first two potential sites are at the Fore Street entrance to North Street car park and on the west corner of Longforth Road and High Street.

The council will investigate land ownership at both sites and liaise with Somerset County Council’s highways department and police before work can start .

Cllr Brown, who is also a Taunton Deane councillor, said: “The idea is to start in the town centre and work outwards with more new seats added each year to keep the costs manageable.

“As well as the benches the council is providing, we would also welcome proposals from people for memorial seats which would boost the programme.”