Express & Star

Wolverhampton's controversial £20k bench 'won't cost taxpayers'

Wolverhampton's controversial new £20,000 bench is not being funded by the taxpayer, according to the council's deputy leader Peter Bilson.

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Mr Bilson revealed at a council meeting this week that the new bench destined for Princess Street is being funded by a Section 106 planning agreement from 2008.

Mr Bilson said that when Watkin Jones Group applied for permission to build student flats in Lichfield Street, it sweetened the deal with a cash pledge to provide the council with £20,000 for artwork.

Peter Bilston

He added: "If the money is not spent on artwork then it has to be returned."

Asked by Conservative leader Wendy Thompson as to why the bench was being made in China and not locally, Mr Bilson said: "The piece is to be made from black granite, the best source of which is China."

He also added that the material is 'cheaper in China'.

The bench is costing £19,698 and is due to be installed this month.

Bosses at Wolverhampton council have said the seat is an art feature that will contribute towards their plans to turn the area into a gathering place for people to relax in the city centre.

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