'Pocket park' benches aim to brighten up Wolverhampton city centre

Wolverhampton council said the 'pocket parks' - seating areas with planting - would ‘transform urban spaces into vibrant green zones’.

Two have been installed in Lichfield Street in Wolverhampton city centre - one outside the entrance to the city’s bus station and one at the junction with Princess Street - with two more due to follow in the summer.

The scheme, costing £17,500, has been hailed by council bosses but opposition members have questioned whether money spent on the seating could have been put to better use.

Wendy Thompson, leader of the opposition Conservative Party in Wolverhampton, said: “They have had disasters in the past.

"When flower boxes were put up in Queen Square a lot of people objected to the amount of money that was spent on them.

“It could brighten up a road in the city centre but people are concerned about how money is being spent.

"They want council tax kept down and potholes filled. They would prefer to have different priorities, frankly.”

Councillor Thompson added: “I do want the council to get some of these shops let. I look at Queen Square and I feel ashamed.”

Council chiefs insisted the pocket parks would brighten up a ‘key gateway’ in the city.

Ross Cook, service director for city environment at Wolverhampton council, said: “Increasing the availability of green space creates a more inviting place to give residents, particularly in urban areas more space to relax and enjoy the outdoors– especially as the summer months arrive.

“Lichfield Street is one of our key gateways into the city – a place many people see when they arrive in Wolverhampton by train.

"Visitors will see the changes we are making and get a great first impression of our city.

"Pocket parks will not only provide more space for people to enjoy the outdoors but will also create a much more attractive setting for everyone to enjoy.”