A GRANDFATHER-OF-THREE has gathered more than 250 signatures on a petition against park benches which are "impossible" to sit on.

Eddie Skyrme, 84, says he has taken the issue on after residents approached him about the matter.

The new metal anti-vandal benches were installed in the St Mary Cray recreation ground in Rosecroft Close in 2004.

The old wooden benches were replaced after persistent vandalism left them damaged and covered in graffiti.

A pathway enclosed by low-level railings was also put through the grounds to put off youths from driving motorbikes across it.

But Mr Skyrme, of Sholden Gardens, St Mary Cray, says the measures have done nothing to prevent anti-social behaviour and the new benches are very uncomfortable.

The father-of-one said: "I started my petition three weeks ago but we have been arguing about the seats since early last summer.

"The old wooden seats were in for about 20 years. We wouldn't mind the new seats if you could sit on them but it's just impossible.

"You can only sit on them for a couple of minutes and when you get off your bottom looks like a noughts and crosses game."

The metal seats are designed in a solid waffle pattern and are sprayed with anti-vandal paint, making it difficult for them to be defaced.

Ward councillors Brenda Thompson and David McBride are backing Mr Skyrme.

Cllr Thompson said: "It can't be simply anti-vandals or comfort. There has to be a decent compromise.

"It is a shame because the council has certainly tried to make the grounds more user-friendly but at the end of the day, these seats are deterring people.

"At the moment the best advice is probably to carry an inflatable cushion."

Mr Skyrme added: "Every name on the petition was taken in the park. I have only had five refusals.

"I have done this on the request of the people in the area.

"We don't have a tenants' association but I've been on the estate for 40 years and people come to me to complain."

Mr Skyrme will present his petition to the council next week.