NOW you see 'em, now you don't. Two pub-style benches and tables were installed by City of York Council on the grassy area near York's Millennium Bridge earlier this week.

But anyone wanting to sit down and enjoy a sandwich there would have had to be quick.

For both benches were removed by the council within 48 hours, following angry protests from local conservationists.

Chris Baily, former secretary of the Friends Of New Walk, claimed the benches, situated in the important approach to the landmark bridge over the River Ouse, were "nothing short of cultural vandalism" and "the work of philistines". He told the Evening Press: "The two picnic benches have been randomly placed, are totally out of keeping with the design and materials used in the bridge, and destroy the symmetry and clean open presentation of the bridge.

"Millions of pounds were spent on the development of this landscape, and this location is the most important approach to the bridge. The bridge designers, Whitby Bird, developed this area as the most important vista as you approach the bridge.

"Three benches are placed as part of the original design, and are mathematically placed to relate to the bridge, with the open space around leading your eye to the bridge. We are very lucky in York to have this amazing bridge and landscape, and we should all work hard to protect it."

He criticised Fishergate councillor Andy D'Agorne, claiming he was behind the bench scheme, and accusing him of having no sensitivity for or understanding of design.

But Coun D'Agorne strongly defended the benches, which he said would improve the area. "They are made of natural materials, and would give somewhere for tourists, visitors and residents to have their sandwiches on a summer evening," he said.

He stressed that the benches had also been democratically agreed at a Fishergate ward committee meeting.

A council spokeswoman said today that the benches had been installed at the request of the ward committee.

"They are a really great idea and there is clearly demand for them, but there were concerns that they obscure the view of the bridge," she said.

"Further discussions are now taking place to ensure that both the ward committee and the Friends of New Walk are happy with the final location of the benches and they will be put back in place soon.

"It is likely that they will be positioned in a spot a short distance away, where they don't obscure the view of the bridge in any way."

Updated: 08:59 Saturday, February 18, 2006