Old High Town benches receive new home

Redundant benches formerly used by weary shoppers in Hereford’s High Town are to be relocated and used for storytelling and outside play at Noah’s Arc Pre-School in Edgar Street, Hereford.

Pre-school manager Tracy Iles contacted the council when she saw the city’s old benches were scheduled to be removed as part of the High Town refurbishment programme. Tracy asked if the council could donate a bench to her pre-school to help finish the new garden project.

Noah’s Arc Pre-School operates as a charity providing childcare and early years education to 2-5 year olds.  Following months of fundraising the toddler’s garden was refurbished last year, but there wasn’t enough cash left to buy any seats for the children to sit on.

Herefordshire Council was delighted to be able to offer the old benches to the children – two benches will be put in the garden where the children can enjoy stories together outside, and one of the benches will be placed at the front of the building by the bus stop for the wider community to benefit from.

Tracey Iles said: “I was really please that the council decided to give these benches to the pre-school.  Being able to take our morning sessions outside in the better weather will add another dimension to the children’s experiences.”

Councillor Brian Wilcox, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “It’s a pleasure to be able to help out one of our pre-school groups whilst at the same time making good use of these redundant benches.  I hope the children will enjoy sitting using them in their new garden area, and having fun in the great out of doors.”

Herefordshire Council has arranged for the benches to be delivered to the children at Noah’s Arc Pre-School on Thursday March 15th at 12.30pm.