Questions raised over cost of city centre planters

A councillor has questioned whether spending £90,000 on new planters for Leicester city centre represents value for money.

Leicester City Council announced on 8 October it had partnered with BID Leicester to install new street furniture on three city centre roads.

The scheme will see 10 planters placed on King Street and Market Street, with a further two planned for St Martins, creating what the council said would be a more attractive route linking New Walk and the Old Town.

The Labour-run authority said the planters would contain small trees, shrubs and drought-tolerant plants.

Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Porter told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he had concerns about the cost, with the 12 planters costing about £7,500 each.

"Is that really good value for local taxpayers?" he said. "Making Leicester greener is a good thing, but it shouldn't mean wasting public money.

"Leicester's taxpayers deserve both a greener city and good value for money."

Porter pointed to stainless steel planters in his Aylestone ward which he said would cost about £1,400 each in today's money.

"That's a huge difference in price, and the council needs to explain why," he said.

"I'm not saying every planter is the same or that the cheapest option is always best.

"But if local residents in Aylestone can deliver strong, attractive, contemporary, high-quality planters for a fraction of the cost, it's fair to ask why the council's planter scheme costs so much more."

The council defended the project, saying it formed part of wider plans to transform the area and it would help to improve the appearance of the three city centre streets.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "This new planting scheme will help make Market Street and St Martins greener and more attractive places to spend time.

"It's part of our continued investment in the city centre and will strengthen the connection between New Walk and the Cathedral area, helping to create a more welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors."

Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicester, said the scheme would create a more attractive and welcoming city centre for businesses, shoppers and visitors.

He said the planters would add greenery and colour to key streets while strengthening links between New Walk, Market Street and the Old Town.

Installation work is expected to begin later this month, with planting due to be completed by mid-November.

The council said there could be some temporary disruption while work is carried out, although the area will remain open.

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