Decorative planters that were branded "shabby" after being damaged in a car crash will finally be replaced nearly two years after complaints were made about them.

Oxford Road in High Wycombe was narrowed as part of the town centre masterplan, which aimed to “transform” the town and help improve congestion, and planters were installed down the middle of the road to make it look more attractive.

But at least one of the wooden planters was damaged when it was hit by a vehicle in early 2018, leaving mud and gravel strewn across the pavement.

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Despite the best efforts of Cllr Julia Wassell, who has tried to make them more attractive with planting, the damage was still obvious and there were many calls for them to be replaced with something else.

Now, years later, Buckinghamshire Council has announced the timber planters will be replaced with new "rectangular granite features" at a cost of £130,000.

The new granite designs will also be installed at each end of Westbourne Street, and in Desborough Road, near the junction with Rutland Street.

Bucks Free Press:

The £130,000 project will be funded by contributions from developers.

But with the new features come roadworks.

Work in West Wycombe Road and Oxford Road will be done overnight during the school summer holidays, with a 6pm to 6am road closure from Monday, August 17, to Wednesday, August 26, between The Pastures junction and Brook Street.

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Overnight closures in Westbourne Street (Thursday, August 27, to Monday, September 7) and in Desborough Road, from Bridge Street to Suffield Hill (Tuesday, September 8, to Friday, September 18) will allow granite features to be installed and maintenance and repair work to be carried out.

Nick Naylor, cabinet member for transport, said: "These replacements are a win for everyone.

"They'll maintain the safety of the approach to the town centre, improve the look of the road, and be easier to maintain."