NEW tables replacing the iconic "giant benches" at Lake Vyrnwy have been criticised by one member of the public for being even less accessible than those that they replaced.

Severn Trent replaced the benches at the end of last year despite the offer of Andy Hancock, the creator of the previous “iconic” leaf benches, to restore them free of charge.

The new benches have now come under criticism from members of the public such as Liz Purvis.

“I don’t think any thought had gone into this, there has been no vision or empathy with the surroundings,” said Ms Purvis.

“The original tables were specifically designed and built with thought and meaning using local resources, as were all the sculptures and installations back then.

“Lake Vyrnwy and the forests were then managed by people who cared. There has always been an effort to keep things natural, these new tables look ridiculous in the space in every way.”

A Hafren Dyfrdwy spokesperson responded to the complaints and said the benches had been changed due to health and safety issues.

County Times: The iconic giant benches were replaced at the end of last year.The iconic giant benches were replaced at the end of last year.

“As part of the Brilliant Basics grant that we received from the Welsh Government, we are upgrading the picnic area at Lake Vyrnwy," the spokesman said. "Sadly, the unsafe condition of the giant benches mean that these have needed to be replaced.

“The new benches are fully DDA-compliant to ensure that all of our visitors can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lake Vyrnwy.

“The leaf benches are an iconic feature at Llechwedd-Du and we are currently exploring how we can reinstate at least one of them in the future.”

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Ms Purvis however argues that the new benches are much less accessible.

“The seats are fixed to the tables so there is no room to manoeuvre and no flexibility. For a person with mobility problems etc it’s going to be virtually impossible to sit comfortably at a table if at all, sitting backwards might be the only option,” said Ms Purvis.

“While I appreciate the original tables were huge It was possible to use the benches as a table with folding chairs or a wheelchair. There is no space at any of the tables for wheelchair access."

Ms Purvis added that further work might be needed to make the area more accessible to the public

“The paths down to the tables are covered with loose shingle, so nothing solid for a walking stick, and as the paths are sloping I would have expected any improvements to include a handrail.

“It may be that the work isn’t completed but that doesn’t excuse the tables.”