Council Hunt Down Artists Behind Hilarious Park Bench Plaques

Most people have felt the exquisite pain of waiting for their friend or partner to finish shopping when all they want to do is go home. Some cheeky pranksters in Chester decided to brighten the experience by switching out bench plaques across the area, designed to raise a smile. What are they like, eh! What larks!

Of course, it wasn't long before the council came along to ruin the fun, taking them down and hunting for those responsible. The plaques were put up in reaction to Cheshire West and Chester City council’s plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order, which will address antisocial behaviour in the area.

Protesters believe the action could target the socially vulnerable and homeless. One sign reads:

"One of them reads: ‘If you shut your eyes for more than ten seconds whilst on this bench, you may be deemed asleep, and risk facing an ASBO. By Order of Public Space Protection Orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014."

Maria Byrne, head of place operations for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said to the Chester Chronicle:

"We have removed the plaques from five benches and although they may appear humorous, some people may find them offensive.

It has cost the Council taxpayer money for officers to locate and remove them. If anyone knows who is responsible we would like to hear from them."

Booooooo.