Bath’s London Road planters appear to have been given a reprieve AND a new lease of life.
The metal troughs – artistically decorated and designed to had an oxidised (rusty) surface – were planted with trees and draped with hanging vines.
They were installed a few years ago as part of an expensive regeneration plan for the city end of this heavily polluted major arterial road.
They were believed to have cost five thousand pounds a piece, but had been criticised for neglect and – in some case – obstructing cars exiting from side roads.
After many months of pressure, the planters are to be taken over for three years by Genesis based at the Gateway Centre. They will maintain them and replant them with plants suitable for the location provided by the council. Clearing the existing planters is the first step towards replanting.
Walcot Councillor, Richard Samuel said “ I am delighted that a solution has finally been found to the long term maintenance of the London Road planters. The maintenance agreement between the Council and Genesis Trust is a creative solution which will ensure that this important entrance to Bath will once again be blessed with proper planting.”
