Five new sets of seating are being installed in a town, the first of their kind in Kent.

They are called parklets and can also include space for plants and bicycle parking.

They are seen as a help for the local economy once the coronavirus lockdown is gradually lifted.

The scheme is by Kent County Council and two sets are already in place in Biggin Street, Dover, one outside the former MCDonald's restaurant and the other outside the B&M store.

The others are being installed at the town's Castle Street, High Street and Cherry Tree Avenue.

To accommodate the scheme, two parking spaces will be removed in Castle Street and five metres of parking on Cherry Tree Avenue.

Cllr Michael Payne, KCC cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Research shows businesses near parklets like these benefit from increased footfall and economic growth.

"When we come out of lockdown and high streets can open once again, the Dover parklets will help visually enhance the area, providing places for members of the public to rest and/or park their bike whilst shopping.

“KCC is committed to providing better cycling and walking facilities and these parklets will help make Dover greener, cleaner and will provide a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors.”

The seating has been created using recycled plastic from the sea and the choice of planting will encourage bees and other pollinators.

The parklets are funded through the Kent Lane Rental Highway Innovation Fund and through the Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocated to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

SELEP chairman Christian Brodie said: “It is great to see such an innovative, global trend brought to life in the streets of Dover for the benefit of residents and businesses.

“We look forward to seeing these spaces in use, providing attractive rest space for those visiting the high streets which need our support as the local economy opens up in the coming months.”

For more information, visit kent.gov.uk/doverparklets and comments or questions can be emailed to kentconnected@kent.gov.uk with reference “Dover Parklets” in the subject line.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover.