What Chad readers think of plans to redesign Sutton's Portland Square and remove iconic sundial
Sutton’s iconic sundial will be removed from the town centre after councillors backed a major redesign for the heart of the town.
The sundial – thought to be one of Europe’s biggest – was installed in Portland Square in 1995 at a cost of £800,000 and planned to become a “world-renowned attraction”.
However, Ashfield Council says its impact on tourism “remains unclear”, while one councillor previously described it as “grotesque”.
The sundial will now be replaced by two large, raised-planted green areas with built-in seating, designed around a new large central space, which could host social activities and events.
Here is what Chad readers had to say about the plans on your Chad’s Facebook page – fb.com/mansfieldchad – with some thinking the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Karen Penney said: “A bit of grass isn’t going to cut it, excuse the pun. Don’t Mansfield and Sutton need shops?”
Katie Swift said: “What a waste of money.”
Sean McCallum said: “A real opportunity to waste a shed load more money when people are living in poverty.”
Jonathan Storer said: “Using words like ‘impact on tourism’ and ‘world-renowned attraction’ for that eyesore is a bit much.”
Matthew Timms said: “Or instead of building this, spend the money on the roads.”
Jeff Mills said: “Local councils wasting money again. Use the money for something that will benefit the community.”
Bart Barton-Hanson said: “All this money could have offset parking costs for years to bring people in first. It’s not that bad as it is just needs a bit of TLC.”
Some were worried the area would become spoiled.
Natalie Chadbourne said: “To go look at it, you have to dodge 50 potholes but hey, it’ll look pretty for a week.”
Susan Miranda said: “Can't see this lasting long in Sutton.”
John Pearson said: “Waste of money, it’ll be trashed in no time.”
Nick Martin said: “You can just see the snapped trees and rubbish all over the grass then after a month being told to keep off the grass.”
Martin Yates said: “Put ideas to the public to vote a winner, they would never go for that idea.”