Bench now has lovely view... of new bin

THE sudden appearance of a large bin in front of a coastal memorial bench has raised a stink among walkers who regularly sit there to admire the view, which they say has now been ruined.

A Falmouth resident flagged up that the bin has been placed directly in front of the seat, which is situated at a popular spot on the coast path between Swanpool and Gyllyngvase beaches in the town, and his concerns are shared by a town councillor.

Chris Bruce said: “The bench once offered a magnificent view of Pennance Point and even the Manacles on a clear day. It was a welcome resting place on the sharp climb up from Swanpool. Now, if you pause here, you see this bin.”

He added: “It’s not as if there’s a shortage of bins on this section of path, nor a shortage of alternative spots to plonk one.” Falmouth town councillor Jude Robinson, who regularly walks her dog on the coast path, was also taken aback by the appearance of the bin.

She said: “It does feel very much in the line of sight. I think a few people would rather see the view than a bin.”

“There was a smaller bin there, which kept getting vandalised, which is the real problem. This was done with the best intentions to replace that with a bigger more vandal-proof bin but it should have been placed a bit more to the left.”

She has raised the matter with Falmouth Town Council’s network manager, who will liaise with Cornwall Council, which was contacted for comment.

The large bin for litter and dog mess in front of a memorial bench near Swanpool Beach, Falmouth

Greg Martin >