Heaton Labour campaigner Lara has handed a petition to Newcastle City Council calling for the much-loved planters on Chillingham Road to be saved.
The petition follows growing concern from local residents about plans to remove the planters, which have been a colourful and valued feature of Chillingham Road for many years.
Previously cared for by local residents and Labour councillors, the planters have provided colourful flowers and pollinator-friendly plants, helping to create a green corridor for bees and butterflies along one of Heaton’s busiest streets.
However, following months of neglect, plans were announced to remove the planters altogether.
Heaton Labour launched a campaign calling for the decision to be reconsidered, with residents signing the petition to show their support for keeping and improving them rather than simply taking them away.
Lara has now taken residents’ campaign directly to the Council, formally handing in the petition on their behalf.
Lara said:
“These planters might seem like a small thing, but they make a real difference to Chillingham Road. They bring colour and greenery to the street, support bees and other pollinators, and are something local residents have cared about for many years.
‘When cared for, these planters brighten people’s days, helping mental wellbeing and instilling a pride in the community that can reduce isolation. Many of the local businesses have also spoken to me about the importance of people being drawn to visit and linger in the street and how valuable the planters are for the community.
“The response to our petition shows that people don’t want to see them simply ripped out. They want the Council and local councillors to listen, look after what we already have and work with residents to make Chillingham Road an even better place.
“I’m proud to hand in this petition on behalf of everyone who has supported the campaign, and we’ll continue making the case for the planters to be saved.”
Newcastle Labour believes our neighbourhoods should be clean, green and somewhere residents can be proud of, and that local people should have a genuine say when decisions are made about their community.
The petition hand-in is the latest stage of the campaign, and Heaton Labour will continue pressing for the decision to remove the planters to be reconsidered.
Watch Lara handing in the petition below.