10 things you said about... the removal of benches in the Bramley Shopping Centre

The public benches in Bramley Shopping Centre were removed in early June, sparking anger from local residents.

The decision was made by the new owners LCP a commercial property and investment company that purchased the retail park for £10m.

LCP said that the benches had been an "obstruction" to the pathways.

MP Rachel Reeves (Lab, Leeds West) and Bramely and Stanningley councillors, Kevin Ritchie, Caroline Gruen and Julie Heselwood raised the issue with the new owners, and have been in consultation with them about bringing back the benches.

The Yorkshire Evening Post asked our readers on Facebook if they thought the benches should be returned, with a majority of people saying 'yes'.

Here are 10 things you said:

Heidi Smith said: "100% I saw a lady and 2 children sat on the floor outside cooplands yesterday eating their food and a lot of elderly and people with walking difficulties have stopped coming to the center as they can't stop and sit to rest before they head off again."

Sarah Wine Wright said: "Yes it's awful to see the older generation, struggling with their shopping or health. [They've] even taken the bench waiting for your taxi!

"How is that a obstruction? Absolutely disgusting behaviour and selfish."

Joanne Michelle said: "A lot of older people and disabled people stop for a breather its not on taking them away and for what reason?"

Kirsty Marie Thomson said: "Yes, seeing disabled people and elderly stood up is heartbreaking. They should of never taken the seats away."

Martin Goodall said: "Not just a shopping centre it's a meeting place where people sit down and have a chat as well as shop."

Andrea Marsh said: "I can’t understand why this needs to be discussed. They should not have been removed in first place."

Michael Bonham Carter said: "Put them back. There not only used for resting but for socialising too.

"For many elderly who might not talk to a living soul day to day go and sit on them in the hope someone strikes up a conversation. They're a way to counteract loneliness too."

Susan Ellis Hayward said: "It is not just seating for the elderly and infirm. Many young mums with children use them. Its an hub for the people of Bramley."

Steve Dixon said: "Put them back for the old and disabled simples".

Lianne Sykes said: "They shouldn't have even taken out in the first place".