By Louth’s new ‘parklets’ on the High Street labelled hideous by locals
Residents in Louth have dubbed the new ‘parklets’ installed down the High Street hideous after many took to social media to share their concerns.
Installed by Lincolnshire County Council, the mini-seating areas are being installed on Mercer Row as part of the Louth Active Travel Scheme.
A spokesperson of LCC said that the scheme was on an 18-month trial period and that it needed time to be properly assessed.
They added: “The whole premise of the Active Travel Scheme is to encourage people to spend more time in Louth and to enjoy the businesses and services that the town can offer, rather than stopping for two-three minutes and leaving again. The plan is to encourage a slower pace and give pedestrians more reason to visit.
“This is a temporary scheme. This is the first time these parklets have been to the UK and its a fresh approach to the core values of the scheme. We hope they are open and inviting enough to encourage people to rest and dwell more within the town and take the opportunity to enjoy the variety of businesses and services Louth has to offer.”
However, locals have shared their opinion on the new installation and many want to see the parklets removed.
One local said: “What a total waste of tax payers money who the hell in the right mind will sunbathe on the main high Street won’t be long before vandals get to it.”
Another said: “Looks hideous & why a sun lounger? It makes Louth look like a joke! Ridiculous. Why don’t they listen to the people whose town it is? We want it back to how it was!”
Others provided their ideas on what could be installed: “Planting a row of matching oxygen-giving trees down there would be better and more beautiful.”
Another said the council should focus on potholes rather than furniture, stating: “Money would be better spent on Lincolnshire roads! Focus on potholes and repairing them properly! Also, people are struggling for ends meet and they see this.”
Local business owners have also joined in the discussion, as Mike Bristow from Larders Coffe House launched the petition entitled ‘Keep The Cornmarket Cafe Culture in Louth’, gaining over 300 signatures.
The petition reads: “Larders Coffee House wish to ensure that the hundreds if not thousands of hospitality customers local and holidaymakers that have enjoyed this unique to Louth Cafe Culture are given the opportunity to say YES to keep the Cafe Culture in the Cornmarket in Louth.
“It’s clear after the vote on Wednesday that some local councillors, business’s wish to have the Cornmarket return to a half hour free for all car park. This is your opportunity for a straightforward yes and have your YES passed to the County Council who issued the License, ELDC who have been exceptional in supporting us and the Town Council.”
What do you think of the new parklets? Let us know in the comments!
