Benches removed from Sheffield city centre rough sleeping spot

The benches - which are on the forecourt of the city's Anglican cathedral on High Street - are believed to have been removed in the last few days.

In the past few years they have been regularly used by rough sleepers but have also attracted a reputation as a place where the notorious 'zombie-drug' Spice is used.

A man - who did not want to be named - said he thought the decision to remove the benches was the right one as it 'cleaned the area up a bit'.

He added he had been told that the authorities would not be replacing them, although this has not been confirmed by Sheffield Council.

In recent weeks, rough sleepers and Spice users who have been moved on from the benches have begun using the steps on the corner of Lloyds bank, at the junction of High Street and York Street.