HUNDREDS of pounds could be spent attempting to move benches which were installed facing a road.

The seats on the green at Church Hill, Epping line the grass along the side of the road facing the traffic going past, rather than the green area.

Following a complaint from someone living in the area, Epping town council is now considering rotating the benches so they face the green, but the move could come at a high cost.

Each bench costs £600 to replace and councillors have admitted there is a high possibility the seats could be damaged if they are moved.

Councillor Rob Macrae requested the benches were turned around to face away from the High Street, but was told the task would require a significant number of grounds staff to carry out the procedure.

A spokeswoman for the town council said: "The benches were installed 30 to 40 years ago and no one here would have any idea why they were put in facing the road. It was probably the obvious place to put them at the time."

Susan Price from Kendal Avenue, Epping said the benches would be well used if they did not face the road.

She added: "It's a lovely location with a large grassy area, but who wants to sit facing a road? I can't understand why they would be installed like that in the first place.

"I also don't understand why the council is making such a fuss about turning them around. Surely it can't be very difficult? I would do it myself if I thought I wouldn't get into trouble for it."

Councillors are set to discuss the issue at their meeting tomorrow, at Epping Town Hall on St John's Road, where they will decide what action to take.