THE future of controversial planters on Warrington Road, Penketh, is under review by Warrington Borough Council following petitions calling for their removal.
Nearly 1,000 people have signed paper and online petitions calling for the removal of the planters from Warrington Road, Penketh, “due to their overgrown nature, obstructing visibility of all road users, making the road dangerous.
Campaigners are calling for their removal saying that “Due to their age and lack of maintenance they have become unsightly and are no longer fit for purpose.”
Nearly 200 people have signed an online petition, while over 800 have signed petitions left in local shops.
The planters were introduced back in 2015 at a cost of £250,000, to aid the climate crisis by planting trees across the area.
Concerns regarding visibility on the road because of the planters were raised at an inquest into the death of local pensioner Leslie Wakefield, aged 80, who died in February 2020, after being hit by a police car at speed that was ‘pacing’ a speeding car.
A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “In partnership with the local Parish Council, 72 planters were installed in Penketh in 2015 to improve the immediate area and improve air quality.
“Prior to the planters being installed, all the appropriate safety checks were undertaken, including visibility requirements for both pedestrians and drivers using the road.
“We are aware of the concerns around maintenance of the planters on Warrington Road however and we are currently investigating several options regarding improved maintenance regimes or the removal of the planters.
“We will also work with the Parish Council to ultimately decide the future of the planters and will keep residents informed once a decision has been reached.”
The online petition can still be signed here https://www.change.org/p/removal-of-planters-along-warrington-road
