IT'S the Newport bench which offers views across the city, if you have eyes in the back of your head.

Almost two years after the bench was put in at the top of Upper Tennyson Road, it still offers the sitter a view of the semi-detached across the road instead of a panoramic look at the city.

The Argus first covered the story of the back-to-front bench in June 2009 when Matthew Pimm, 30, who lives in nearby Milton Road, noticed it on his drive home from work The firefighter, who is based at Maplas fire station, walks his labrador Buster Alexander twice a day and often passes the bench, said the seat replaced one which had been damaged.

He said he was glad to see the council had replaced the old bench with a new one and had put it in a great spot for views across the city, but was at a loss to see why it was put in facing away from the great views.

At the time, Newport council said the bench was put in the same position as the original and it would review the position of the bench, but almost two years on and it has not moved.

Mr Pimm said it was a waste to have a seat in a great spot facing the wrong way.

"It's still disappointing it's facing the wrong way, it looks daft where it is - it's a great viewpoint so either turn it round or move it somewhere else."

The council did not respond to the Argus' request for a comment.