BEMUSED residents have questioned the need to place benches at a scenic Barry Island spot facing "the wrong way".

Two Nell’s Point benches, have recently been replaced, with a view of houses and a grass bank rather than the sea.

Island resident, Paul Von Hillier said: “They are facing the wrong way – a big green bank of grass. They should face seaward.

"They were never used before because they faced the wrong way. They do not face east and you cannot see the sea unless you turn your head to the right.”

Barry Island historical group chairman, Mike Heffernan added: "Even though the old benches were seldom used, what was wrong with them?

"All the metal work needed was a lick of paint and the wooden seat and back-rest varnished and they would have been as good as new."

But the Vale council said at Nell’s Point there were three benches facing the sea nearby and that the two benches in question were deliberately placed facing away from the sea..

Resident, Paul Von Hillier said: “They are facing the wrong way – a big green bank of grass. They should face seaward. They were never used before because they faced the wrong way. It does not face east and you cannot see the sea unless you turn your head to the right.”

Barry Island historical group chairman, Mike Heffernan added: "Even though the old benches were seldom used, what was wrong with them? All the metal work needed was a lick of paint and the wooden seat and back-rest varnished and they would have been as good as new."

In April this year, Bridgend council placed two seats facing a busy road instead of the seafront at Porthcawl. Following criticism, the authority declared them Wales’ first “selfie benches”.

The Vale council have said that there are already three benches nearby which face te sea and the two in question were deliberately placed facing the direction they face.

Vale council, cabinet member for regeneration and education, cllr Lis Burnett said: “There has been widespread work to upgrade the furniture in the Nell’s Point area.

“The two new benches in question replaced two that had previously been in the same spot and had deteriorated beyond repair.”