Confusion over ‘taped off’ benches in Horsham Park

Members of the public were left querying whether the benches - under the trees at the front of Kaya’s cafe - were ‘public’ after council officials asked people sitting there to move away.

A witness said that people at other benches were allowed to stay.

A spokeswoman for Horsham District Council said the benches - which were taped off after people were asked to move away - could not be used at the moment because of current Covid lockdown rules.

She said: “We can confirm that the wooden benches situated under the trees at the front of Kaya’s in Horsham Park are the property of the council.

“Upon the advice of Sussex Police, council officers were requested to support their efforts in asking members of the public not to use these benches.

“As members of the public continued to use the benches, often consuming food and drink and not observing required restrictions under current lockdown guidance, the council has now turned the benches over and has cordoned them off.”

She added that the benches had not been relocated or removed because they are secured to the ground. “Other benches spread across the park are available for use.” she said.