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Spalding traders raise concerns over ‘intrusive’ planters in Hall Place

16:47, 30 October 2024

updated: 16:52, 30 October 2024

Concerns have been raised about ‘intrusive’ planters being installed in a town centre.

Eight large wooden planters have been seen being installed into Spalding’s Hall Place, as part of a £280,000 revamp of Hall Place, Red Lion Street and the riverside.

The cash - made available by South Holland District Council - is being used to replace the ‘circle of doom’ benches.

Planters outside savers and Gibbs Shoes
Planters outside savers and Gibbs Shoes
Images of how Hall Place could be after the work is complete
Images of how Hall Place could be after the work is complete

Although a welcome place for many shoppers to rest and chat over the years, this spot gained notoriety by attracting drinkers and some forms of anti-social behaviour.

Business owners have raised concerns that the new infrastructure has been placed close to a number of shopfronts.

Gibbs Shoes manager Emma Robb said the business was only told on Friday that work was set to begin on Monday.

Planters along Red Lion Street
Planters along Red Lion Street
Red Lion Street blueprints
Red Lion Street blueprints

“It’s a shame they didn’t want to know our thoughts and ideas,” she said.

“They’re rather large and close to the shop. They’re intrusive and could block our window displays

“I’m not sure they’ll fix the problems in town. It’s frustrating really.”

Work is underway on the riverside
Work is underway on the riverside
Drawings showing how plans for the riverside revamp could look
Drawings showing how plans for the riverside revamp could look

SHDC launched a public consultation asking locals and shoppers to share their thoughts on the scheme last October.

Coun Gary Taylor, authority portfolio holder for community development, said: “We are pleased to see such good progress being made on our investment works in Hall Place that, once installation and planting is completed, will refresh the area and make it a brighter and more attractive place to visit.

“During all our numerous pieces of consultation and public survey work over the past few years, residents have identified making Spalding town centre more welcoming as one of their key priorities, with this part of the town one of their main areas of focus.

“We hope that this investment in new planting, seating and street furniture can help to support this change, and we have worked closely with our communities and markets team to ensure the design benefits the town centre, its businesses and visitors as much as possible.”

Savers and Calthrops, who also have business fronts by the planters have been approached for comment.

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