A new “friendly bench” in Stourbridge town centre has been unveiled by the Mayor of Dudley.

Councillor Hilary Bills was invited to take the wraps off the new bench, near to the subway in Foster Street.

Stourbridge u3a, working on behalf of Stourbridge in Bloom, led a campaign to raise the cash to fund the bench. It is hoped it will become a meeting point for friends old and new.

Councillor Bills said: “This is an absolutely fantastic idea and I was delighted to go along and officially unveil the new bench.

“It is in a perfect location for people just arriving or leaving the town, and I hope it will be the site of many conversations and the start of many new friendshiips.”

Brenda Stevenson, of Stourbridge u3a, added: “As part of our work in helping Stourbridge in Bloom, in 2019 we were given the responsibility of Foster Street to keep tidy and plant.

“We felt it needed somewhere for people to rest before and after shopping, and for young people to meet their friends. The community has really come together to help make it happen and it is great to see the bench in place.

“It really shows how many people care about Stourbridge and are willing to give up their time and money to improve our town.”

Contributions to funding for the bench came from Stourbridge in Bloom, Pre Metro Operations, Lin Gibson and Johanna Clarke. Lin contributed on behalf of the family of the late Des Smart, a former pharmacist in the town. The bench commemorates Mr Smart and his family.