Dudley market benches relocated after antisocial behaviour complaints
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 16:29 · Archive
Benches costing £150,000 installed in Dudley market in 2025 are being relocated after attracting antisocial behaviour and pigeons.
Benches costing £150,000 installed in Dudley market in 2025 are being removed and relocated to Himley Hall and Park after attracting antisocial behaviour and pigeons. The seating area was part of a regeneration project funded by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by West Midlands Combined Authority.
The benches were designed to attract shoppers to the market but instead proved unpopular with visitors. Anne Boyd, director of growth and place at Dudley Council, said: 'Market traders in Dudley town centre recently raised concerns that marketplace seating was sometimes creating issues around antisocial behaviour. We have now removed the seating from the marketplace with it now benefiting visitors to Himley Hall and Park.'
The relocated seating will initially be used in the walled garden area to support upcoming pumpkin events and winter light trails. In spring, the council intends to move the seating to the terrace area to create additional outdoor seating for visitors to the coffee lounge.
When news of the removal spread on social media in early October, members of the public offered their views on the failed project. One commenter described it as a 'white elephant', while another suggested the market needed more facilities such as a coffee stand and more interesting stalls to attract visitors willing to sit down.
How it is being reported
- 'Eyesore' Dudley market seating to be relocated after antisocial behaviour complaintsFailed plan for eating area cost taxpayers £150,000 as people dismiss it as a 'white elephant'BirminghamLive · 14 Oct, 16:09
- Eyesore Dudley market benches to be relocated after yobs and pigeons took overThe £150,000 benches were installed in 2025 as part of a regeneration project but proved unpopular with visitors and attracted antisocial behaviour and pigeons.Express & Star · 14 Oct, 15:56
- Eyesore Dudley market benches to be relocated after yobs and pigeons took overThe £150,000 benches were installed in 2025 as part of a regeneration project but proved unpopular with visitors and attracted antisocial behaviour and pigeons.Birmingham World · 14 Oct, 15:56
In this story: Dudley · Dudley Council · Himley Hall · West Midlands Combined Authority · Anne Boyd
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