Kearsley has own chatty bench to encourage people to talk

A new chatty bench has been installed in Kearsley as part of an intiative to reduce loneliness in the community.

It is one of a series of new benches which offer “so much more than a place to sit” being installed at various locations.

In total, nine benches have been commissioned across the Kearsley area after discussions between the area’s representatives and Bolton Council officers.

Cllr Debbie Newall, who represents the area, says that this also came after talks with community members about where they could go keeping in mind the various social functions that they hold as well..

She said: “We took on board all the suggestions for locations that were made to us, and visited each site with our officers who advised us whether or not a bench could be installed there.”

Cllr Debbie Newall says the benches offers so much more than a place to sit (Image: Bolton Council)

Cllr Newall, of One Kearsley, says that she hopes that they will help make public spaces all around the district more welcoming and accessible, especially to older people.   

The “chatty bench”, off Grosvenor Street is part of a nationwide scheme aimed at tackling loneliness and social isolation by indicating that people who sit there are open to starting conversations will fellow passers-by.   

Cllr Newall said: “Benches offer so much more than a place to sit!

“They are a safe space where people can chat and meet with others as well as a place where some of our older or more vulnerable residents can stop for a rest.”

The new benches have been installed at key locations across the district including near Kearsley War Memorial, on Clifton Street, on Springfield Road and another including a memorial plaque to the late Queen Elizabeth II near Vale House. 

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Another three have been installed down towards Stoneclough while three more will be installed elsewhere in Kearsley.

Cllr Newall said that the locations were discussed over a period of time and that the costs will be further worked out in the near future, having been made possible by the two separate sources of funding.

She said: “There are a few finishing touches to be put in place before all the benches are installed.”

She added: “The benches were paid for by our environmental improvement fund apart from one, which is a designated chatty bench and was funded by public health.”