Penzance volunteer gardeners can't cope with plans for more planters

A group of volunteer gardeners are worried about plans for more planters in their town - as they say they'll end up looking after them and there isn't enough money to go around. As part of the £6.1m Sustainable Travel Network project from the Penzance Town Deal programme, Cornwall Council is looking to "transform travel in and around the town, creating a fully sustainable network of safe and accessible walking, cycling and functional green and open urban spaces".

One of the ways to achieve that is by creating enhanced pedestrian zones in Market Jew Street and Market Place to help to improve accessibility for pedestrians, people with reduced mobility, cyclists and public transport. As part of the project the bus stops would also be filled in with raised beds full of flowers as a way to enhance the main thoroughfare through the town.

The Penzance Town Fund team said that if public consultation feedback is positive, detailed designs will then be submitted and the work will start in Market Jew Street in Autumn 2025 following the completion of the nearby Causewayhead Town Deal scheme.

READ MORE: Camborne crossbow attack accused appears in court

READ MORE: Remains of newborn baby girl found in field by dog walker

Join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and be first to hear what's happening near you - Cornwall Live

It is, however, the planters full of flowers that the Penzance Community Flora Group have objected to, saying they're the ones who look after everything else around the town with their volunteers, raising their own money for it - and that is the issue: there is no money.

In a post on their Facebook page, the group said: "We've had to do a very difficult thing and we think you should know why. We've registered an objection to the public consultation on the plans for Alverton and Market Jew Street. Not because we don't think more green spaces are a good thing, quite the reverse in fact. It's because these plans propose to install more planted spaces that there is no public budget to maintain.

"Yes, the plans talk about installing low-maintenance plants, but that doesn't mean no work on them will be needed at all. We all know what Wharf Road looked like without maintenance; it was a space we were all ashamed of.

"We don't need more of that right in the centre of the town. We've gone over the detail of the proposed planting scheme and while we agree that they'd look great for a year (which they really would) they'd look pretty rubbish forever afterwards.

"Our group just can't take on any more work than we're currently doing. We hope you understand our reasoning and please, take this opportunity to put your view forward too, whatever that may be, this is our chance to be heard."

The group's decision has received a lot of support from local residents already, many of whom fear the proposed new planters will look terrible after a few months and would be a waste of money.

Commenting on the group's post, Julian Rowe said: "The whole plan is doomed to failure. Camborne, the town we laugh at, has a busy high street with lots of on-street parking for everyone, their town centre is thriving. The proposed plans for Penzance will kill the town centre, every person I have spoken to says exactly the same thing."

Jessica Pickles added: "Yes, all very well creating lovely spaces but the ongoing maintenance needs to be considered and you all should not be taken for granted which perhaps is what has happened. Penzance is looking so nice due to your groups very unsung hard and dedicated work, they’ve perhaps forgotten who is actually doing that."

Jutta Brown agreed: "A very valid point, it all looks good on paper but has not been thought through after completion. Same goes for the bus shelters. They look nice but have been designed by someone who never uses a bus. They offer no shelter from rain at all, they are too narrow to get shelter from the rain."

Public consultation on the two schemes opened on November 14 and can be accessed here. Responses can also be provided via email at traffic@cormacltd.co.uk

⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️