By LISA HERITAGE

A SPA councillor is calling for funding to replace the town centre benches that have fallen into a "disgusting" state of disrepair.

Councillor Kate Spencer (Con-East) is calling for local businesses to come forward and donate some cash or provide new benches to replace those that have fallen by the wayside in recent years.

She said: "Many benches particularly in Victoria Square are simply disgusting and many of the edges look as though they have been gnawed away by a beaver. The damage to a number of the seats is through mindless vandalism and some through wear and tear.

"However this is a focal point of Droitwich Spa and it appears nobody wants to claim ownership. These benches are just an accident waiting to happen."

The town clerk, Diane Malley said the benches are part of a Worcestershire County Council initiative some years ago which had since ceased to exist and had become the responsibility of both Wychavon District Council and the Town Council.

She met with the district council's, town centre's manager Lou Hammond last Thursday to inspect the benches in Victoria Square, St Andrew's Road and outside St Richard's House.

She said: "We carried out an inspection on Thursday and found that many of the benches were badly weathered and some seats were broken. We intend to replace nine of the seats but this will need to be approved by the Town Council."

She added that anyone wishing to donate a bench or funding can contact her on 01905 774258.