'Pointless' double yellow lines behind a row of benches in a car-free part of a town centre have been repainted by a council.

The restrictions, which outlaw parking at any time, are in Sheerness high street where the town’s clock tower normally stands, in an area which is impossible for traffic to access.

The 'pointless' double yellow lines in Sheerness high street

The double lines have been painted by Swale council contractors behind large concrete ball-shaped bollards, there to stop traffic from reaching the pedestrianised area.

Conservative Cllr Cameron Beart, who represents Queenborough and Halfway on Swale council and Sheppey on Kent County Council, stormed: “These must be the most pointless double yellow lines ever.

“They are an absolute eyesore and totally unnecessary in a pedestrianised part of the conservation area. They serve no purpose at all and should be removed.”

Cllr Beart said he had been told the offending lines were going to be removed on Monday but as of yesterday afternoon, they were still there.

Stephen Jackson, whose Jacksonwood Vintage Tea Rooms overlook that section of the high street, was equally bemused.

"You could hardly see the old lines – but that's not an excuse for repainting them, as they shouldn't be there now," he said. "The old lines were probably there from before the benches were put in. It's a complete waste of time."

Rather than admit the lines were installed in error, a Swale council spokesman explained they had simply been "refreshed" – but conceded they are due to be removed anyway.

The spokesman said: “The double yellow lines that were already at the clock tower were refreshed by our lining contractors who were working to repaint yellow lines in Broadway and the high street in Sheerness.

“We carry out regular lining and signage maintenance around Swale.

"These restrictions are now scheduled for removal.”

KCC confirmed it had nothing to do with the yellow lines.

The clock tower is currently away being renovated and is not expected to return until later this spring.

Meanwhile, new lines have also been painted in Queen’s Road, Minster, opposite the Co-op store following a request from residents upset shoppers were parking on corners outside their homes.

They were paid for by Kent County Council councillor for Sheppey, Andy Booth (Con).

They too have experienced a problem as there is a large gap where a car was parked when the contractors painting the double yellow lines turned up.

* The Highway Code says double yellow lines indicate "a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs.” There are exceptions for disabled Blue Badge holders though. You can also usually stop on a double yellow line to drop off or pick someone up as long as there aren't any specified loading or unloading restrictions at the time.