'Missing' commemorative benches that sparked fury in East Kilbride Village have been returned - however, not in their original form according to a local watchdog.
The specially commissioned benches were installed in the mid-90s to mark the Village being granted conservation status following a long running campaign.
But furious locals hit out when they were removed by Irish pub Mo Chara several months ago with the area being used as an outdoor seating area.
A spokesman for the pub told Lanarkshire Live that the three benches, placed around a commemorative tree, had become "a danger" due to their poor condition and they were in the process of repairing them at their "own expense," with a sign placed on a tree after locals questioned where they were.
The spokesman also said that delays to them being put back in place were due to the council advising they would need to be put back in place by their own contractors - not Mo Chara.
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) investigated and have confirmed the benches were returned and reinstated this week - but pictures suggest they may have been altered from their original design.
Police were also contacted after the benches were reported as stolen by watchdog, East Mains Community Council, but it is understood no further criminal action will be taken.
Its chairman Bill Arthur, told Lanarkshire Live : "The benches have been returned but not with the same artwork and designs that were originally there we believe.
"The originals were designed by an artist with special Celtic designs and sculptures on the metal work and some of these have been moved or aren't there.
"It's up to SLC to decide what to do now - although their handling of this has been abysmal. But now they are returned in the state they are in we want to ensure the public have access to these benches.
"At the minute they are situated within a licensed premise's area. But they were intended as a focal point for the local community, for Villagers and others to sit and have a chat or a cup of tea or coffee."
However, former Provost Alan Dick, who was in office between 1999 and 2003 and instrumental in having the benches installed, said the "public artwork" should never have been removed in the first place.
He said: "It's nothing short of an utter disgrace.
"The pub just decided to rip out these benches to make way for more tables and chairs.
"They had absolutely no right to do so and take away what is public property.
"The benches were funded by the former Development Corporation and District Council, Scottish Enterprise and a number of private businesses."
A Mo Chara spokesman previously said: "We partly removed the benches, which have been repaired at our cost, so we could re-open the business in a safe way and due to the fact they needed refurbished.
"They will be returned and our beer garden will reduced in size to make space for them."
SLC head of facilities, waste and grounds services, Alistair McKinnon, said: “We have continued to pursue this matter, including ongoing discussions with the owners of the business and the police.
"I am pleased to say the repairs to the benches have now been completed and were reinstalled this week.”
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