NEW facilities are in progress at one of Holsworthy’s open spaces thanks to an intervention from its town council.

Holsworthy Town Council has confirmed it has installed two new picnic benches in Stanhope Park, provided by Academic Facilities Services, which was also responsible for the acclaimed recent installation of the new galleon ship play amenity, opened earlier this year by the now-previous mayor, Cllr Nigel Kenneally.

The new benches are set for a lengthy tenure in Stanhope Park having come with a 25 year guarantee against rot and are made from recycled composite picnic.

Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy, added that there will also be a new seat installed shortly in a place where a previous seat sat for several years. It comes after the town council intervened to replace the removed seat which had been removed after falling apart - with Devon County Council and Torridge District Council unable to agree on who owned the previous seat.

The mayor said: “New picnic benches have been put into the Children's play area at Stanhope. Thank you to Academic Facilities Services.

“Also, a new seat will be installed very shortly in a place where a seat sat for many years and was removed because it eventually fell apart. Although neither Torridge District Council or Devon County Council would agree the ownership, the town council have decided to replace the bench at the request of many local residents. Watch this space!”

A spokesperson for Academic Facilities added: “Check out the great new addition to Stanhope Park in Holsworthy! We've installed two new recycled composite plastic picnic benches in the play park.​

“These aren't just any benches — they're made from 100 per cent recycled plastic, come with a 25-year guarantee against rot, and are completely maintenance-free. They're a fantastic, sustainable seating option for everyone to enjoy!”