Town councillors have said they need more information before deciding whether to take charge of maintaining new and possibly existing benches across Kenilworth.

A discussion at the most recent Kenilworth Town Council meeting was prompted by a request from county councillor Tracey Drew who asked whether the authority would maintain a new bench to be installed on Dencer Drive.

The request prompted a wider debate as to whether the council could take on the responsibility of looking after benches across the town - both new and old.

Town clerk Maggie Field explained the main cost was in removing them before they were replaced, rather than in maintenance and purchasing new ones.

But councillors deferred a decision asking for more information.

Cllr Andrew Milton explained: "This feels like we are being asked to take on a whole new service.

"Cllr Chalmers' question [about cost] is a very good one, it's probably one of about 30 or 40 that we need to get answers to.

"I think we should discuss tonight whether this is something we are interested in asking the clerk and officers to explore, about what would be involved and whether we want to set aside budget."

He continued: "Benches have a life, they fall apart.

"Sometimes benches get damaged in the meantime.

"We are taking another liability to do. I am not against the idea of the town council doing that, but I don't think it is right to make a decision on the request of one bench."

Other councillors were in agreement that the idea seemed a good one, but more information was needed before a decision could be made.

Cllr Richard Dickson added: "I think Cllr Milton is right on this, we need to understand what we would be taking on.

"I am only aware - in St Johns division - of one bench which caused quite a few issues on Queen's Road / Regency Drive a few years ago.

"One of the issues was the memorial plaque that was on it went AWOL. It was eventually found."

Meanwhile, Cllr Neal Eaton said: "It does raise the question of existing benches. Where are we with all this?

"It is a great idea but we need more information."

The new bench for Dencer Drive is planned opposite the junction with Cornhill Grove.

More information on the cost of looking after the benches will be brought to a future general services committee meeting.