New planters and cycle stands for Suffolk Street and the Bath Road

Two planters will be installed on either side of Bath Road on the newly-constructed build outs opposite the Co-op. The third of the planters and the cycle stands will be installed on Suffolk Street next to Bath Road.

This is part of a number of environmental improvements in and near the Bath Road under the Connect Streets scheme, which is a joint initiative of several community groups - notably Cheltenham Connect and the St Philip and St James Area Residents Association, the Bath Road Traders Association and the council.

Funding for these initiatives is coming from Gloucestershire County Council, through its Local Sustainable Transport Fund, the final elements of Cheltenham Borough Council’s Environmental Fund and from the St Philip and St James Area Residents Association. The Bath Road Co-op is helping in kind.

Wilf Tomaney, townscape manager at Cheltenham Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see the planters and cycle stands being installed as they will really enhance the area. It’s a positive example of partners working together to improve the local environment.”

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, Cabinet member for fire, planning and infrastructure at Gloucestershire County Council, added: “The county council has been able to help fund the planters and cycle stands as they are a great example of a local community working together to keep their streets bright and welcoming.”

Adrian Phillips, chair of Connect Streets project, commented: “This scheme has been undertaken by Connect Streets, which is a partnership of the traders, the local community and the council. We have already planted ten trees, installed an art work outside the Exmouth Arms, and decorated the Bath Road roundabout and all 19 of the utility boxes in the street. To complement the planters that we have installed at the roundabout, we are putting in three more.

“The funds for this come from the council and from the St Philips and St James Area Residents’ Association; the plants are supplied by Roots and Fruits. Staff at the Co-op store have volunteered to water and maintain two of the planters outside their shop; residents in Suffolk Street will look after the other one.

“It will make the Bath Road an even better place to shop in, or visit for a meal or a drink. We all love the Bath Road and its shops, and this will brighten it up further and add some colour.”

The plants will be ordered from Roots and Fruits. Staff at the Co-op will be maintaining the Bath Road planters along with local residents and businesses who have volunteered to manage the after care.

---

For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer, telephone 01242 775050, email [email protected]

Photo opportunity: Thursday 28 May at 1.30pm the planters are being planted by volunteers. Please meet opposite the Co-op on the Bath Road. Please call the communications team on 01242 775050 if you wish to attend.