'Sofa, not so good' for street furniture

Some of the new furniture is still to have plants added

The arrival of new street furniture in a busy Plymouth shopping area has caused something of a stir among local residents.

An assortment of brightly coloured planters and seats have been installed to add a splash of colour to Mutley Plain but opinion is divided over their arrival.

The scheme is the result of consultation between local traders, residents and the city council.

The creations are the work of artist Andrew Skelton.

As long as we can get some plants in them in the next couple of weeks then people's opinions will change

Brian Mahon
Traders' Association

One passerby told the BBC: "I think a lot of drunk people are just going to find a handy place to be sick in and that's all it's good for."

Lib Dem councillor Karen Gillard, who represents the Drake Ward, said: "They're certainly an addition.

"Once there's plants in them I'm sure they'll improve but they are not exactly to my taste, but lots of people may like them."

And Brian Mahon, chairman of the Mutley Plain Traders' Association, described the new additions as "on the artistic side".

He added: "As long as we can get some plants in them in the next couple of weeks then people's opinions will change."

The new street furniture is part of a wider plan to give Mutley Plain a makeover, funded by £200,000 from a regeneration fund and the Arts Council.