People can stop for a chat in Kendal after the town council has introduced a new scheme to encourage conversation.
In a bid to reduce social isolation, some benches in the town centre and one on Nobles Rest have been designated as happy to chat benches.
Anyone sitting on them is willing to enter a conversation and the town council hopes it will help people feel less lonely if they have someone to talk to.
Councillor Eamonn Hennessy, chair of the councils environment and highways committee, said: “We’re pleased to be taking this innovative yet simple approach to
helping tackle loneliness and strengthening our local community.”
If the trial proves popular, the town council added, the scheme may be expanded in the future.
