PENSIONERS have voiced their anger after the owners of the Hardshaw Centre decided to axe benches from its premises.

Elderly and disabled people were among those to express shock after finding the sitting area of the indoor shopping centre had been removed. It has been a popular spot for years with older people who choose to take a break during their shopping and have a chat.

But the West Midlands-based owners of the centre say research shows "customers much prefer to have wide-open areas in which they can circulate freely". The company added there are two cafes available in the centre.

The removal of the benches has sparked a row that St Helens town centre, which has been under fire over the past few years for its appearance and increasing numbers of empty shops, hardly needs.

The Star's mailbag has been bursting with letters, many from sons or daughters whose elderly parents are upset.

The Star spoke to pensioners in the centre who voiced their protest at the seats’ removal.

Maggie Cope, 81, from Nutgrove, told the Star: “I come to sit down on the benches to have a rest. I know some people have said they’ll never come here again.

“We’re asking kindly to put the benches back because people need them. There are a lot of invalid and aged people who come down here. There are people who have nobody in their family near them who come for a bit of company to get out of the house. They are doing no harm.”

Tommy Kearns, from Haydock added: “This has upset a lot of people.

“They want people to come to St Helens and then do this. People may come and spend only £1 and that’s a £1 that’s not now going to be spent."

Roger Eaves, from Blackbrook, added: "This is something that disabled people are going to really miss, they use these seats.

"There were about 20 of us complaining one day last week."

When the Star approached the Hardshaw Centre for comment, staff referred the newspaper to the head office of its owners at London and Cambridge Properties.

Rob Heald, the company's asset manager, said: “We are one of the leading operators of shopping centres in the UK and the decision to remove the benches was not taken lightly.

“There are a number of factors that led us to make this decision. Best practice in the retail world constantly evolves and the latest research suggests that customers much prefer to have wide-open areas in which they can circulate freely as they go about their shopping unhindered.

“It is our role to constantly strive to improve the shopping experience for customers and that is why we have taken this step.

"There are two very good cafes in the Hardshaw Centre where shoppers can rest and get refreshments.”