The Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay says the decision to remove benches from areas throughout the town is one that was not taken lightly.

The town is removing benches from various locations including along the bike trail and the USAF Monument over concerns surrounding increased loitering and illegal activity.

Mayor George Andrews says the move was made in the interest of public safety, as they have seen large groups of people congregating and drinking at the sites.

He says the benches will not be replaced until security response can be implemented, or the unwanted activity is alleviated through continued work with the RCMP.