FLOWER planters have been moved out of Darwen town centre because they are ‘no longer in keeping with the image of the town’ and were repeatedly vandalised.

Residents in Borough Road are angry that the planters, which were sited there temporarily because of roadworks in the town centre, have now been moved on to the motorway slip-road at Earcroft.

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Hollings said there was no consultion with residents or councillors from Blackburn with Darwen Council and wants to know whether they will be replaced.

A council spokesperson said: “The planters on Borough Road were originally in Darwen town centre and were temporarily relocated while the town centre roadworks and improvements were done.

“When that work was finished, we felt that the planters were not in keeping with the new look town centre and they remained on Borough Road until a new home was found for them.

“Since being put on Borough Road they have been subjected to repeated vandalism with the plants having to be replaced on an almost weekly basis.

“It was therefore decided to move them to Earcroft Way where the other planters seem to be free from vandalism.

“We are filling them with top soil and getting them planted up.

"In time, new locations may be found and a permanent home determined.”