Dead plants in £16,000 giant pots to be replaced
By Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter
Dead plants in a set of eight giant pots believed to have cost a total of £16,000 of public money are to be replaced after vandalism and hot weather was blamed.
The huge planters in pedestrianised Victoria Place, just off Eastbourne seafront, were installed in April by East Sussex County Council (ESCC).
Small plants were put in but they appeared to die fairly quickly in the unwatered soil.
The planters became an eyesore in the recently-finished pedestrianised area, lined with restaurants and outdoor seating.
Some traders in Victoria Place have since taken the initiative to replant some of the pots using their own money to improve the look of the area.
ESCC has also said it will no longer be putting in supplementary planting as part of the drainage plan as it is “has not proven viable”.
The Eastbourne Reporter asked ESCC the following questions:
1. I understand the planters cost £2,000 each, totalling £16,000 for eight planters. Is this correct?
2. Who planted them and why have they not been maintained / watered?
3. What does ESCC intend to do to resolve the situation?
We were sent the following comment in response.
A spokesperson for the council said: “As part of the Victoria Place improvement works in Eastbourne town centre, new planters have been installed to enhance the public space.
“Unfortunately, some of the planting has deteriorated as a result of vandalism and the recent period of exceptionally hot weather.
“The affected plants are currently scheduled to be replaced following the final completion of the wider project, before they are formally handed over to Eastbourne Borough Council.
"The slate [a series of drainage measures] forms part of the Sustainable Urban Drainage System for the project. It was originally designed to also be supplemented by planting but unfortunately the original planting there has not proven viable.
“Alternative options are now being explored to ensure it continues to effectively deliver its required function whilst maintaining the appearance of the area.”
