Controversial public benches could be removed again from Inverness High Street – just months after they were reinstated.
The seating, which has been branded a magnet for antisocial behaviour, was removed for a two-month trial last year before being reintroduced in October.
But now, two of the benches could be taken away again after a local cafe applied for planning permission to replace them with three or four tables, with seats.
Buonissimo Italian Street Food, at 21 High Street, say it would be similar to the outdoor seating at Costa Coffee on nearby Inglis Street and used during the summer months.
Federica Mantovani, who owns and runs the eatery with her husband, said: “For us it’s important to the business because it’s a very small shop and a lot of customers asked about sitting outside. It would be very nice for the business.
“Second, we’ve had a lot of problems with the benches outside. For 90% of the time they are occupied by drunk people. Customers often sit there and then they move after a few minutes because of it.
“It could be nice for the High Street. We really would like to have a nice area.”
The public reaction to last year’s trial was largely in favour of the seats returning, with some local people venting their anger about the decision to take them away.
The cafe’s application has already attracted at least one objector.
Local resident Graham Tuley said: “I assume that the two public benches would be removed and replaced by moveable tables and chairs within a fenced off area from which the public are excluded.
“When the tables and chairs are removed there will be nowhere for the public to sit.”
He added: “The High Street is cluttered with bollards, too many lampposts and a lot of wheelie and litter bins. What is required is the removal of some of this clutter not adding to it.”