Cracked planters removed from high street
LDRSConcrete planters which were criticised for their appearance and then developed cracks have been removed.
They were placed on Redcar high street earlier this year as part of a series of improvements funded through the Redcar Town Deal, a regeneration scheme introduced by the previous Conservative government.
The cracks were blamed on a design and manufacturing defect and led to several of the blocks being temporarily stabilised due to health and safety fears.
Last month, the council said there was no cost to the local taxpayer from the failed scheme.
The planters had seating at their base and included etchings which reflect Redcar's association with maritime safety reformer Samuel Plimsoll.
But they quickly attracted scorn, with independent councillor Dr Tristan Learoyd likening them to "ram raid protection units".
The structures were also described by others living in the town as "Soviet-era" style, "an eyesore" and "cold, hard and overbearing", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
SuppliedFunds from the Redcar Town Deal investment programme worth £77,000 had been allocated, but payment was withheld to the contractor as part of a standard snagging process.
Council leader, Labour's Alec Brown, confirmed in a Facebook post the planters had been removed.
But he faced questions from residents about the costs.
The council leader replied: "Never paid for. Nothing."
The authority has said it would give residents the opportunity to choose their replacements with some designs having already been suggested online by Brown.
He previously said the aim was something "smaller and more visually appealing" and there would be three or four options to choose from.