December 29, 2022 10.00 am This story is over 25 months old

Flashback 2022: Healthy living parklets litter Louth landscape

Residents didn’t like sitting on yellow metal benches next to traffic

The council’s idea for bright yellow metal seating “parklets” to promote active living in a Lincolnshire town was short-lived after resident backlash and vandalism this year.

Lincolnshire County Council’s big plans for promoting healthier living in Louth hit a massive speedbump as opponents decried the loss of five minute pick-up and drop off points and fewer disabled parking spots on Mercer Row.

A public meeting saw hundreds of residents turn out to call for the High Street to be restored to its original form.

Some saw opportunities in changes to the nearby Cornmarket which aimed to promote a café culture atmosphere.

However, it was the yellow resting areas installed by the county council that appeared to be the final straw for locals.

Four were bought at total a cost of £62,000 and two were placed in the street. The other two never made it out of storage.

The aim was to provide a resting place for people on the high street, encouraging visitors to slow down and enjoy the area more, or walk into town from elsewhere.

Hundreds attended a meeting at the Royal British Legion in Louth. | Image: Daniel Jaines

However, a number pointed out that those who used them were effectively sitting next to traffic either on a bar-type design or one which would look more at home pool-side.

Those in favour of something a little bit different for the town seemed far drowned out by those against the plans.

It wasn’t long before the street furniture was damaged, with a series of incidents taking place.

The final straw saw graffiti daubed along the high street and one of the parklets dismantled, sparking several investigations.

Graffiti on the roads was the final straw in a series of anti-parklet actions. | Photo Jamie Waller

The parklets were then removed, with the county council promising they would not be returning.

As far as we know, the parklets are still in storage with councillors and officers still in discussion over what to do with them.

The police investigations into the damage also continue.


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