Ashfield estate bench turns pink overnight leaving residents puzzled

Lindsay Childerley, Ashfield resident, posted a photo of the freshly-painted pink bench on a Facebook community group, sparking a discussion among residents.

According to residents, the bench was recently installed, but it is still unclear how it became pink.

Lindsay suggested that if someone comes home with pink paint on their hands, they may be responsible.

Other residents were quick to comment on the bench – with many of them feeling the pink colour was a bold choice.

Most other comments praised the final product, with one resident describing it as “brilliant” and very “creative”.

However, some residents considered it an act of vandalism and believed it should not be encouraged.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield Council, said: “We were all tickled pink seeing the painted bench on the Ashfield Estate.

“Whilst someone painting a bench pink is an unusual occurrence and not one that we would usually encourage, we have listened to the positive feedback it has received across social media, and we have decided to keep the pink bench and turn it into a friendship bench.

“We will be removing the bench on Monday to touch up the paintwork with a more durable paint and to install a plaque marking it out as a talking bench.

“Supporting resident’s mental health is something that is a priority for the council, and this bench is just one of the initiatives we are launching.

“The bench will become a talking bench, encouraging strangers to start a conversation, easing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“We intend to make this a roving bench, appearing all over the district, spreading the positive mental health message.

“We recognise the good intentions behind this bench painting, however we would discourage anyone else from painting anymore benches or street furniture in the district as this is technically vandalism.”

What do you think to its new colour?