Residents left fuming after benches were taken away from their community garden are sitting pretty again now the seats have been replaced.

Tenants of Ecclestone Court in Bradwell demanded answers when Great Yarmouth Community Housing removed two wooden benches from a shared garden in Ecclestone Court without consulation or warning.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council said it was part of their routine improvements to facilities at sheltered accomodation schemes, but residents including 83-year-old Gerturde Alexander, were less than impressed.

But Mrs Alexander and her neighbours had somewhere to relax again this week after winning the battle after missing benches were replaced with new ones.

'I'm very pleased,' said Mrs Alexander. 'It's good to get some fresh air.'

The council said it decided to install two new benches 'after listening to the views of local residents', and also replaced four wooden benches in another communal area of the scheme.

The replacement benches are made of water-resistant polymer resin so they will not rot, need less maintenance and have a longer life expectancy.

Cllr Penny Linden, cabinet member for communities, said: 'I am delighted that the tenants can benefit from these new improved benches.

'The borough council said from the start that it would look at options for replacement, after hearing the views of residents about all benches at the scheme, and the installation of six brand new benches clearly shows that it has listened.'