Authorities have removed a ‘problematic bench’ that was being swarmed by drug users from a local park.

Thames Valley Police and Reading Borough Council worked together to take the furniture away from Shinfield Road Recreation Ground earlier this week. 

This comes after the authorities received reports from residents that ‘this bench was ‘especially problematic.’

A Reading Borough Council spokesperson explained why the seating area had been taken away. 

They said: “The bench was removed as it was providing a gathering point for groups of individuals causing problems around anti-social behaviour, and alcohol and drug use. 

“Resident engagement revealed that the bench’s use for these activities was presenting a barrier for them being able to use that area of the park safely and confidently. 

“Whilst removing the bench will not eradicate these issues, it will help to mitigate the concentration of them in that particular hotspot and improve it for local residents. 

“The Council and Thames Valley Police are working together on a number of wider measures to tackle anti-social behaviour across Reading.”

A TVP Reading police spokesperson added: “We are continually working to find ways to make this area better for the community and are conducting frequent high visibility patrols.

“If you want to report antisocial behaviour in this park, or the Linden Road area, please call 101 and quote 43220235912.”