Reader’s letter: Request for more market seating

It is a shame there are not more benches in Newark’s Market Place.
In other towns and cities I have seen large communal seating areas which appear to be designed for socialising and being able to spend some time in the area without any obligation to spend money.

In fact, during a recent trip to London I spent a very pleasant few hours at the Barbican, where I sat outside on one of their many benches and other varied seating options and read my book.

The whole experience of being able to simply spend time in the fresh air knowing there was also plenty more seats for anyone else who might wish to sit was quite relaxing, and I would argue also good for my mental wellbeing.

It would be nice to see something similar in part of the Market Place, and create a place people can meet while out doing their shopping, or enjoy the views of the historic buildings the town centre has to offer.

Perhaps that would increase footfall and reduce anti-social behaviour in the Market Place too, if there was an increased presence of people using the space for non trouble-making purposes and for prolonged periods of time?

When the beach is there and there are deck chairs and free fun, the market is so bustling it has a completely different atmosphere.

It could also be an opportunity for some creativity, community projects (like the friendly benches) and maybe some greenery and planting built into the structure.

I often walk through town and think it would be nice to have more places to sit and watch the world go by. — C. Atkinson, Newark