Missing planters in Wigan township replaced BUT complaints about long grass

Missing planters in a Wigan township have been replaced – but residents are unhappy about the long grass next to them.
The planters in StandishThe planters in Standish
The planters in Standish

Missing planters in a Wigan township have been replaced – but residents are unhappy about the long grass next to them.

The planters, situated at the end of the central reservation at the entrance to Boars Head Avenue estate in Standish, were removed in winter last year and used in the VE Day 75th anniversary celebration event in Wigan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They were replaced last week, but people living nearby are calling for the grass to be cut after saying it “looked a mess”.

Coun Ray Whittingham, who represents Standish on Wigan Council, said: “I have been asked quite a few times about the missing planters from either end of the central reservation at the entrance to Boars Head Avenue estate.

People will be pleased to know I found out that they where used in the VE Day celebrations in Wigan. It makes you feel proud that planters from Standish where used to make the celebrations special.

“After some investigations about the missing planters and help from council officer Paul Gallagher, the planters have now been replaced and fully planted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve had residents saying it looks great on Facebook but a few have contacted me asking why the grass has not been done.

He said: “The grass does look a mess, so hopefully this can be sorted.”

Coun Whittingham said council officer Paul Gallagher had spoken with colleagues in streetscene and also Moss Bank Nurseries about the planters.

The two three-tier planters have been relocated back to their original positions in Boars Head Avenue and have been fully planted up.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The planters are generally taken in for winter and previously they were funded out of Brighter Borough.

At this stage, it is not known what will happen next summer and if Brighter Borough funding will be used or not.

Commenting on the grass being cut, a Wigan Council spokesman said: “The pandemic in March led to the suspension of grass cutting as staff were redeployed to frontline services.

“But as we begin to enter our recovery phase teams will start mowing areas like this on a more regular basis, “ they added.