Town's bright shelters 'inappropriate'

Mark Lord

NEWLY-refurbished shelters surrounding a town's war memorial have been criticised for being too bright and “completely inappropriate” for a place of quiet reflection.

Work on Halesworth's arboretum was completed last week by residents living at the Heart Foyer in the Market Place, which offers housing to young people aged between 16 and 24.

But the brightly-coloured shelters have caused some controversy in the town with some residents objecting strongly to the refurbishment.

One Halesworth resident, writing to the EADT, asked: “What next? Painting the actual war memorial pink?”

Brian Payne, a visitor to the memorial, said: “I and my wife have relatives whose names appear on this war memorial and I cannot help but think that this paintwork is completely inappropriate in such a location.

“As with all war memorials the immediate surroundings need to give visitors the opportunity to sit and reflect about their losses and the sacrifices these men made for their country.

“I am not sure that these very bright shelters would allow people to do this.”

But Sandra Leverett, deputy chairman of Halesworth Town Council, defended the new colour scheme. She said: “It was put forward to us by the HEART Foyer management team that the residents would like to contribute something to the town and could they redesign and refurbish the arboretum.

“We agreed and they came up with a design which was approved by both the Royal British Legion and the town council and this was then carried out.

“It certainly brightens up the area and shows people that the residents care about the town. We have had a complaint from someone who does not think the new design is appropriate but I certainly do not think it detracts from the memorial at all or from those who lost their lives in both world wars.”

The new arboretum will be officially opened tomorrow by members of the town council and Royal British Legion. The ceremony takes place at 6pm and everyone is welcome to attend.