Look out for new, movable '˜pop-up' street furniture appearing around Sleaford in new trial project

A serpentine and cube seats are being placed in Riverside; three large planters are going on display in Market Place; and a bicycle rack in the shape of a car is to be placed in Southgate.

The £15,000 scheme aims to create some movable focal points, spaces for people to chat and sit and create new experiences in the town centre.

All the items can be moved around and public feedback will help to shape where they are located next.

The work comes from North Kesteven District Council (NKDC) and fits in with the Sleaford Masterplan, which identified a need to focus on public realm improvements within the town to create better links for pedestrians and improved settings for key attractions and heritage assets.

The items currently bought are purposely low cost to ensure the trial is a success before significant sums could be invested in any permanent installations.

NKDC is also joining with other authorities to share items so further trials can be held at little additional cost.

Leader of the council Coun Richard Wright said: “Good public realm is proven to have a positive impact on the local economy – the environment improves the vitality of the town centre.

“We hope people enjoy using the new seats and bicycle rack, and we really want their opinions on it, where they’d like to see it next and what else they’d like to see in Sleaford.”

To have your say on where the pop up public realm should move to next, keep an eye on NKDC’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Townspeople are asked to use #PopUpSleaford in their feedback.

* So far there have been mixed reactions to the new seating and other ‘pop-up’ furniture, which includes a bike rack at the side of Southgate.

Glug Pickwell commented on our Facebook page: “We’ve just had a hot summer so what is the point in the winter? Whoever sanctioned this ought to resign because another waste of money.”

Lizzie Bevis said: “Movable?! That one word makes we wonder how long they will last before being ‘moved’ into the River Slea?! Oh dear...”

Roy Thomas Corder added: “The list is too long to write on here what Sleaford needs, but three flower beds on wheels that look totally out of place in a historic market place taking up valuable car parking space that small business needs to get more customers to their shops is ridiculous.”

But Jayme Sellars commented: “I like them, they are modern looking (which surprises me with this council) and as long as the planting is maintained, they will look good... but £15,000 seems deep for what are effectively a few seats?”

Sharon Jane Skinner liked them too as did several others who did not directly comment.