Letter: Is NFDC demonstrating double standards over shop security shutters?

I WOULD like to comment on the article (A&T 1st March) concerning NFDC’s cavalier opinion about Peacocks’ security shutters in Lymington, disregarding his concerns for his clients’ data safety and offering no constructive solution to the dilemma.

I am questioning if there are double standards displayed here, when the article explains that NFDC considers the Peacock shutters are ‘jarring’ and diminishing the architectural quality and integrity of the listed buildings in the High Street, but on the other hand, ignore their own jarring eyesore near the picturesque Quay Hill that has languished for many months since last summer. It is hardly an enticing image for visitors expecting to enjoy a historic town in a conservation area.

The proprietor of the damaged ice-cream parlor has duly completed the restoration of his shop front in a timely fashion, following set guidelines to ensure the integrity of building design is followed, but the council has done nothing to replace the Victorian bollards and railings that should have been undertaken last year. Instead, ugly plastic barriers of vivid orange and bright blue remain cluttering the lower end of the High Street that has, on occasion, been a traffic hazard – plus the confusing (do not turn right) signage does not help either.

The untidy barriers are situated in front of the beautifully restored ice-cream parlor in Gosport Street, thus diminishing the architectural quality of the listed building. The other shopkeepers have also lost footfall due to the public being put off by the unsightly barricade.

I think we must conclude that street clutter is not viewed as ‘jarring’ by the NFDC and can be left unattended for months on end, instead of upholding their own principles to ensure the town’s heritage and ambiance is protected. I consider that professionally fitted safety shutters are far less ‘jarring’ than NFDC’s makeshift plastic barriers. Message being, sort out your bollards NFDC!

Helen Nikandrou
Hythe

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RE High Street firm ordered to remove ‘jarring’ shutters (A&T 1st Mar).

This is obviously needed for security and is only visible at night. The council should look around at the more important damage issues to our area.

Perhaps Peacocks could paint their shutter with a road with pot holes so that it would blend in?

Robert Young
Pilley