A concrete cattle trough on Gorleston seafront is to be converted into a public bench.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A cattle trough in Gorleston which is to be transformed into a seat. Picture: David HannantA cattle trough in Gorleston which is to be transformed into a seat. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

The trough, which was previously fitted with a drinking fountain, was installed on Marine Parade in 1912 by the RSPCA, but has since become disused.

Now, after an attempt to turn it into a floral feature was scuppered by vandals, it is to be converted into seating.

In a statement, Great Yarmouth Borough Council said: “Troughs like this were historically installed in towns across the UK and since becoming redundant have been repurposed in many cases.

“Gorleston’s has not been used for its original purpose for many years, and most recently was filled with soil and planted with flowers. However, due to vandalism of the plants, the council’s operating partner is now converting it into a seat for seafront visitors.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A cattle trough in Gorleston which is to be transformed into a seat. Picture: David HannantA cattle trough in Gorleston which is to be transformed into a seat. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)

“It has been filled with a ballast material and capped with a thin layer of concrete, on top of which wooden seating will shortly be installed.

“None of this work affects the structure of the trough itself, so it can be easily reversed if necessary.

“The trough was temporarily cordoned off while the concrete cap was setting.”