Bright blue planters recently installed along Hanham High Street have been branded an ‘eyesore’. And residents have been questioning whether they were the best use of council funds.
The planters, which are all along the High Street, have drawn frustration for their placement and design. Residents have taken to social media to express their frustration, with the planter opposite The Maypole Pub next to Tabernacle Road becoming the main subject of debate.
Concerns have been raised about the uneven placement of the planter and their failure to blend in with the surrounding area.
Some residents have even called them a potential trip hazard, particularly for visually-impaired pedestrians. One resident said: “They’ve got to spend their budget on something by the end of the month. But leading away from a bollard pedestrian crossing without much tactile paving is a trip hazard for people with eyesight problems.”
Another Facebook user voiced their frustration over council spending priorities, saying: “That’s why our council tax has gone up – repair the roads first.”
The planters have been criticised for taking up too much pavement space, making it harder for wheelchair users and pedestrians to navigate the area.
“Takes up far too much of the pavement, making it very difficult to pass for wheelchair-users,” one resident wrote. “Visually-impaired could fall too as it’s bang in the centre. It’s a stupid idea. Someone should draw up a petition to have them all removed. They are pointless, a waste of money. Use the money to fill in all the potholes and give us parking spaces rather than flowers.”
Many have voiced concerns over wider issues in Hanham, such as potholes, blocked drains, and public service cuts, which they feel should take priority over cosmetic changes to the High Street.
“Trip hazard for one! What on earth is going on when this waste of money appears, yet the council is cash-strapped, upping council tax, cutting public services, axing lollipop crossing persons, and unable to maintain our streets of potholes, weeds, blocked drain grates, broken footpaths, and empty bins fortnightly? They are laughing at us!” another resident exclaimed.
However, not all reactions have been negative. Some commenter found humour in the situation, with the planter’s bright-blue colour leading to comparisons with household furniture and recreational equipment.
“Is this bed frame still available? I can collect tomorrow,” one person joked. “Last night whilst driving through, I thought it was a paddling pool,” another added.
The controversy comes after South Gloucestershire Council carried out a survey in 2020, gathering feedback from 758 residents on how they wanted Hanham High Street improved.
Of those surveyed, 73 per cent said it was either ‘very important’ or ‘quite important’ to introduce more greenery and plants. A further public engagement exercise was conducted in July 2023, seeking input from businesses and key stakeholders about proposed improvements.
A spokesperson for South Gloucestershire Council defended the planters, saying: “We have worked with residents, businesses, and the local high street partnership group to deliver the programme of investment on Hanham High Street funded by the Love Our High Street fund.
In July 2023, we shared proposals for the high street which reflected the improvements local people told us they would like to see to the public spaces and appearance of Hanham High Street.
“In February 2024, we started work on the High Street, refurbishing the public toilets, installing new seating and cycle stands, accessible crossing points, and murals. The planters installed this week are part of this programme of improvements. They are due to be planted up this week with a sustainable planting scheme to enhance biodiversity and create natural shade and bring colour to the High Street. We will continue to work with the local community to support our high streets as the sort of prosperous, bustling places people want to visit.”
Despite the council’s explanation, the planters remain a divisive topic, with many residents continuing to push for their removal and questioning whether they are truly in line with what the community wanted.