A COWES resident has been told by Island Roads to remove flower planters beneath her windowsills or purchase Public Liability Insurance.

Anna Pocock said she has had plant pots out on the pavement for years, but has only now been approached to move them, since a new dropped kerb for people with disabilities has been installed outside her home.

She said: "It is such a shame if this means Cowes and other Island towns will lose all the uplifting floral displays that brighten up the streets — and people's mood.

"It is bureaucracy gone mad. If only Island Roads would clear up the litter around here instead of the flowers."

Anna said the distance from the edge of the trough to the edge of the kerb is 171cm, and she said her house isn't on a route many people actually walk.

She said she pointed this out to Island Roads when they installed the dropped kerb, and hasn't seen one wheelchair or pram use it since.

She added: "If the council is genuinely trying to de-clutter the pavements, how do they square that with the electric scooters parked everywhere?

"I'm not against the scooters, but I am all for flowers.

"I'd be interested to know how many other Island residents have been affected by this rather depressing directive."

A spokesperson for Island Roads said: "Island Roads and the IW Council work to ensure the highways network is safe and accessible to all users.

"As you can see from the photograph, these planters limit the space available for people to use the tactile crossing at this busy location.

"These tactile crossing points are an essential facility, especially for those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or pushing prams, who need the space in which to manoeuvre.

"All this was explained to the resident of the property by one of our staff who visited her.

"There have been no recent changes to the council’s policies on street furniture and we have no wish to take any action that is heavy-handed or discourages people from brightening the street scene.

"Indeed we work with numerous organisations, local councils and individuals across the Island to make this happen.

"However, any such steps need to be done in a manner that is agreed, safe, legal, and does not make it difficult for others to use the public highway and footway network."

Have you been asked to remove your plant pots or hanging baskets? Email us at editor@iwcp.co.uk