'Confusion for road users' sparked over planters in Kirkley

But five months after eight new colourful creations were introduced, a row has erupted in a suburb of Lowestoft.

One of the planters on the promenade in Kirkley, Lowestoft with its arrow remaining - pointing its way to Kirkley village shops. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) One of the planters on the promenade in Kirkley, Lowestoft with its arrow remaining - pointing its way to Kirkley village shops. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With the planters doubling as signposts pointing people in the direction of the Kirkley village shops, battle lines have been drawn after a complaint was lodged.

Concerns have been raised over two of the installations on the corner of Waterloo Road in Kirkley, south Lowestoft, which feature arrows pointing the way to the businesses.

It was said that the two distinctive planters on the junction of Waterloo Road were confusing motorists into thinking they can turn right - into what is a one-way street - due to the black arrows on the artistic creations.

One of the two planters on Waterloo Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft which has had its arrow covered up, as it no longer points its way to Kirkley village shops following a complaint. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With Suffolk Highways notified, officials have now ordered that the arrows on the planters be removed or covered up.

However, business owners are up in arms over the furore.

Wendy Dalton, chair of the Kirkley Pocket Parks group that installed the colourful planters and signposts - designed by Kirkley business owner Alice Taylor - in April, said they've been left frustrated with having to cover up two of the creations.

Having been funded by East Suffolk Council and the Heritage Action Zone, the group was reluctant to fully remove the arrows - as it would make them inconsistent with the other planters - and so they've now covered them up.

Mrs Dalton said "These aren’t your average planters - each boasts unique signage, inviting tourists and visitors to explore the charming Kirkley village shops on our high street.

"We were contacted by Highways after concerns were raised about the arrows on the planters on the corner of Waterloo Road.

Wendy Dalton and Jacqui Hardie at the no entry sign on Waterloo Road in Kirkley, Lowestoft with one of the covered up arrows that previously pointed the way to the village shops - until a complaint was lodged. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The biggest problem, however, is that there isn't a 'No Right Turn' sign anywhere on the approach to Waterloo Road - so we've asked Highways to install a 'No Right Turn' sign somewhere near to the Hatfield Hotel to forewarn motorists.

"We are trying to encourage more people to shop in Kirkley high street, which is really coming on - but we've been left up in arms over this."

'Concerns of confusion for road users'

A Suffolk Highways spokesman said: "Following the installation of the planters and subsequent signage, Suffolk County Council has requested that the arrows on the signs are to be rearranged or removed following concerns of confusion for road users.

One of the covered up arrows in one of two planters on Waterloo Road that previously pointed the way to the village shops - until a complaint was lodged. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The signs have been temporarily covered until such work takes place."

'Accident waiting to happen'

Shop owner Jacqui Hardie of Pankhurst - situated in the former offices of the suffragette movement on Waterloo Road - is a member of Kirkley Independent Traders.

She said: "When you drive along Victoria Terrace you cannot see the no entry sign - and there's only just one sign on the lamppost at the junction of Waterloo Road - until you are actually at the junction."

Similar sentiments were shared by Glen Manship, managing director of Red Hot Media Ltd on Waterloo Road.

Glen Manship, managing director of Red Hot Media Ltd, based on Waterloo Road in Kirkley. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Manship said: "I've been here for more than 18 years and I regularly see two or three cars going the wrong way in Waterloo Road most days.

"There were two cars today (Wednesday) going the wrong way - and that was before 9am - it is a common problem and an accident waiting to happen.

"So this is a huge frustration.

"Particularly when there's clearly something wrong with highways signage at that junction."