VIDEO: Planters removed from Horsham’s West Street

Horsham District Council unveiled the first phase of the West Street Enhancement Project in November last year, which included work to the road’s paving and drainage.

The second phase, which includes greenery, lighting and wayfinding is ongoing.

Most of the cash for the nearly £700,000 project has come from West Sussex County Council’s kick-starter fund.

At a HDC Scrutiny and Overview Committee meeting in September councillors raised concerns over the sums of money involved in the project.

HDC’s vice chairman Tricia Youtan (Con, Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham) described spending £40,000 on plants as a ‘huge amount of money’.

A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said: “In response to feedback received regarding the trial of the planters in West Street, an alternative style of planting is being introduced this week (w/c 24th November).

“After consulting with Horsham in Bloom and Horsham District Council horticulturalists, it was decided that the new planting scheme will consist of box balls and yew cubes, which will provide a contrast in leaf colour, leaf shape and form.

“The bamboo plants being removed are being incorporated into the planting scheme for the new Dinosaur Island children’s adventure play area in Southwater Country Park.

“The benefit of the design of the planters in West Street is that they enable flexibility in the type and style of planting that can be used. Plants can be easily replaced if necessary and re-used at a much lower cost than seasonal bedding displays.”