Way forward found for community garden
Ryan Taylor
A flower memorial planted to mark VJ Day is now likely to be saved from the chop after an agreement between the green-fingered gardener and council representatives.
Frank Johnson was being asked to demolish his extension to the the Lerwick Community Garden at Pitt Lane, because he did not seek proper consent.
However, he has now been approached by council convener Malcolm Bell and invited to make a retrospective planning application.
“It’s such a relief to think the garden could be saved now,” Mr Johnson said.
Mr Bell added: “You can’t just occupy someone else’s property and do what you wish with it, no matter what your motives are.
“There is always a way forward if you go through the proper channels and I think Frank has now done that. I’m really hopeful we can find a way that will allow this garden to continue.”
Linsey Nisbet
A public spirited guy has made a lovely garden out of what was no doubt an empty piece of waste land. What did the council have planned for it, I wonder??!
Our lives have become so embroiled in red tape and consents that common sense has disappeared. Frank should be getting a commendation for what he has done, not a dictate to apply for a long and expensive planning process.
This is a beautiful garden, for the public to enjoy. What can possibly be wrong with that I wonder? The world has gone mad!
Charlie Gallagher
Why could this not have been done at the out set? Or does Mr Bell just like puffing himself-up and showing-off his authority?????