FLOWER beds in the centre of a busy road in Haltwhistle could be removed on safety grounds – at a cost of up to £12,000

The two brick planters on the B6322, at both sides of its junction with Main Street, have been a feature of the town for decades.

But volunteers who maintain the planters have expressed health and safety concerns over the 3ft-high brick structures located in the centre of the highway.

And local councillors have raised fears that the brick beds, with flowers growing out of them, could prevent motorists from seeing young children crossing the road.

At a meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council, Coun. Alan Sharp said: “We’ve already been in touch with the county council, but the cost of having them removed would be over £10,000. We would have to ask the county council to make a contribution, because the proposed cost is ridiculous.”

A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman said: “We estimate that the work would cost between £10,000 and £12,000, and if funding support can be made available, we will look to progress the removal of the brick planters as part of a highway maintenance scheme we are already undertaking in the area.”