Harrogate Borough Council has defended its decision to install fake grass in the town centre despite an overwhelmingly negative response.
The Stray Ferret’s article that broke the news yesterday received well over 150 replies on Facebook and nearly all of them criticised the move.
Comments ranged from “it looks cheap and tacky” to “wasting council tax money yet again” to “who actually sat there thinking this was a cracking idea?”.
Some people felt artificial grass undermined Harrogate’s reputation as an upmarket, floral town.
Organisations also spoke out against the move.
Henry Pankhurst, who represents Harrogate Civic Society on planning issues, said:
“I agree with those who dislike the unnecessary production of plastic that damages the environment. We may unfortunately find it displaced and strewn on the ground.
“I would like to see it taken away, it is not an enhancement for the street scene and the conservation area.”
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Harrogate Business Improvement District, which attempts to increase footfall to the town centre, distanced itself from the council’s decision.
Sara Ferguson, the BID chair, said:
“We want to make it clear that the fake grass being ‘planted’ around town centre trees is nothing to do with Harrogate BID.
“We have spent a considerable amount of money installing barrier baskets, placing planters outside town centre businesses, and arranging for hanging baskets to be displayed outside many shops – all done to help build on Harrogate’s reputation as a floral town, and to make the town centre as attractive as possible.”
The Stray Defence Association was concerned about the environmental impact, tweeting:
“Real grass or plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. False turf is a reservoir for not only fungus and bacteria, but also contaminated organic matter.
“It kills healthy soil bacteria, worms and root systems underneath it. Water is not absorbed and runs off.”
The council has so far declined to reveal the cost of the scheme. But a spokeswoman said the move had received “lots of positive feedback”. She added:
“We are testing ways of brightening up Harrogate town centre.
“The trees mean any plants in the beds struggle for light and moisture, so we’re looking at potential ways of keeping the beds neat and tidy without plants in them.
“When summer bedding plants become available, we will place additional planters and hanging baskets in the town centre to add a splash of vibrant colour.”
