Working with a local artist, Longton Exchange have repurposed two old benches and upcycled them with bright colours to create 'Buddy Benches'. 

The aim is to encourage the local community to interact with each other as by sitting on the bench, you are inviting others to join you for a chat. 

Local artist, Hannah of @HanSprayPaints, creates spray paint art inspired by the natural world and has repainted the old benches with bright rainbow colours. 

The benches are located in the central part of Longton Exchange Shopping Centre and are ready to welcome the local community. 

The benches encourage the community to come together and have a conversation (Nub News).

Chris Ward, the Centre Manager, said: "The Buddy Bench is something I was very keen to implement. 

"I am very passionate about the local community and hope people come and use these benches to gain some social interaction they might otherwise miss." 

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