A CALL for benches on Liphook’s Berg Estate has been made to Bramshott and Liphook Parish Council by long-time resident Mary Eyre.

She asked councillors late last year to support her request in getting three benches placed at strategic points on the estate for people to rest and enjoy the open space.

She has been in touch with East Hampshire district councillor Angela Glass, who strongly supports the proposal and has offered a grant of £1,000 towards the costs, and Hampshire County Council’s highways department for advice.

Parish councillors, who have to submit a formal request to the county council also voted in favour of the benches, with further discussions about costs and maintenance still pending.

Mrs Eyre suggested an appeal for sponsorship and explained there is no public transport available to residents of the estate with the only local bus not serving the area.

Mrs Eyre explained: “To be able to rest on the way to the shops, doctors and dentists would be appreciated especially since a high proportion of residents are older people, who want to walk for exercise and medical reasons.

“Many have had knee and hip operations and need the exercise – but a rest half way would be welcome especially since some do not drive.

“The open plan requirements of the estate means there are not even walls to sit on and it is a mile to walk to Sainsbury’s store in Midhurst Road and considerably further to the post office in Headley Road.”

Mrs Eyre pointed out the estate is a former arboretum with many fine trees and open plan gardens and that benches would enhance this park like environment for all to enjoy as well as provide much needed rest points for walkers.

She has already sourced the best sites for three possible benches, proposing one by the post box in Chiltley Way, another by the wild flower area in Willow Gardens and a third by the entrance to the estate in Chiltley Way, off Midhurst Road, stating the semi-isolated areas would have little, if any, impact on the surrounding properties.