A PETITION has been started to remove planters in Penketh which have been called ‘dangerous’ due to the overgrowth.

The planters were introduced on Warrington Road, Penketh back in 2015 at a cost of £250,000, looking to turn Penketh green and aid in the climate crisis by planting trees across the area.  

A petition set up by local residents, however, claims that due to the overgrown nature of the planters, visibility is obstructed for road users.

This comes following the death of Leslie Wakefield on Warrington Road in February 2020.

Leslie, an 80-year-old pensioner, died after being hit by a police car at speed that was ‘pacing’ a speeding car.

During the inquest into his death, concerns were raised surrounding visibility on the road due to the planters.

In response to this, a spokesperson for Warrington Borough Council said: “We can confirm that prior to the planters being installed on Warrington Road, all the appropriate safety checks were undertaken.

“These included visibility requirements for both pedestrians and drivers using the road.”

One resident who signed the petition, Andrea Haywood said: “There are too many planters, they are not maintained due to cost and health/safety restrictions to maintain.

“They are increasingly becoming a hazard both to drivers and pedestrians, the plants are in a poor state due to neglect, and the planters have deteriorated, i.e. rusty, and are an eyesore.

“They are seen by all commuters traveling along Warrington Road, reducing the amount of planters is maybe a way forward, reducing the cost to maintain, however personally I believe due to lack of maintenance they are a health/safety hazard”.

Warrington Borough Council has been contacted for comment.