It is supposed to be a relaxing place to take a perch as people wait for a bus or need a brief rest.

But in Bungay, a newly built public bench at a bus stop is proving to be the opposite after it became embroiled in an invasion of privacy and eyesore controversy.

One couple who live on Staithe Road and directly opposite the new installation has placed a message in their window facing the bench that sarcastically reads: "It is an eyesore to look at.

"Great job Bungay Town Council."

Sara and Nick Millar moved into their home seven years ago.

They complain the bench and notice board devalues their home, invades their privacy and the council had not consulted them.

"My main issue is that there has been no consultation from the town council.

"In the summer we have had issues with kayakers getting changed on the grass outside, there have been times I open the window and see people in their underwear getting changed, Mrs Millar said.

"That is weird enough and only a seasonal issue but we are now having to face the prospect of people sitting opposite my house and looking directly in."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The view of the bench and notice board from Mr and Mrs Millar's homeThe view of the bench and notice board from Mr and Mrs Millar's home (Image: Bruno Brown)

The couple have said the notice board and bench violate the town's conservation area which their home lies within.

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"We have worked so hard to make improvements to our home, sensitively to the conservation area, yet I feel as though the council have no consideration for this, it is hypocritical of them.

"I have used irony by putting the written messages in the window," Mrs Millar said.

"We have to put up with something we don't want to look at nor had any say in, then this is giving them a taste of their own medicine and they can look at something they don't wish to."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The bench and notice board on Staithe RoadThe bench and notice board on Staithe Road (Image: Bruno Brown)

Bungay Town Council however argue it is good for the town.

They also confirmed they had not spoken with residents along Staithe Road ahead of moving the notice board and bench to the bus stop.

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In a statement, a spokesman said: "The town council contacted all the businesses and ran public consultation events at the Buttercross in January 2023.

"We asked residents what improvements that they would like to see in the town centre. Respondents requested more seating in the town creating places for visitors in the town to linger.

"The council also receive requests from the public asking for seating for elderly and disabled residents especially next to bus stops, on the routes into town and next to food retailers.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: It is an eyesore to look at. Great job Bungay Town Council, reads the notice put in Mr and Mrs Millar's windowIt is an eyesore to look at. Great job Bungay Town Council, reads the notice put in Mr and Mrs Millar's window (Image: Bruno Brown)

"The Riverside and Staithe were highlighted as areas that needed to have better signage as the River Waveney is a hidden asset for visitors coming into the town.

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"This newly installed bench, along with planters and a community notice board are intended to enhance this green space located close to the River Waveney.

"The bench is located immediately next to a bus stop serving buses for Norwich, Beccles and other destinations.

"Local people have asked for benches to be placed on the way into town to provide somewhere to rest.

WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ON THE BENCH? PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AND EMAIL: bruno.brown@newsquest.co.uk

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The message is a dose of irony, says Mrs MillarThe message is a dose of irony, says Mrs Millar (Image: Bruno Brown)