A VITAL new addition to Stone town centre has been branded an eyesore by residents battling for Britain in Bloom victory.
A galvanised metal electricity box, which is more than four ft high, has been installed in Stone High Street next to Ethel Austin.
The box is needed to provide the electricity supply for town centre events including the markets and was installed by Western Power Distribution last month.
Although Stone High Street is part of the town centre conservation area the box did not require planning permission.
A Western Power Distribution spokeswoman said the work was commissioned by Stone Town Council.
But Stone Town and Stafford Borough Councillor Jill Hood, who is also secretary of Stone in Bloom, is just one of the residents angry at the box’s appearance. She said: “I am furious about it.
“We have repainted the street furniture to be in keeping with the High Street but how can we walk the Britain in Bloom judges down the High Street saying what a beautiful town we have with this 4’6” box? “
Stone in Bloom chairman Antony Lucas was also concerned about the box’s potential impact on Stone’s Britain in Bloom prospects and its effect on shopkeepers’ ability to maintain their frontages as it is just inches from two shopfronts.
Stone Food and Drink Festival chairman Richard Stevens said on his blog: “I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this monstrosity.
I understand the previous supply had been declared inappropriate for its new uses. So the unobtrusive old supply has been replaced by this eyesore.
Bearing in mind the stringent planning controls that apply to any development in the High Street due to it being a Conservation Area, I can't believe that this galvanised tin box has been allowed. And apart from its size, shape and colour, I sincerely hope that the brick paving around its base will be repaired to replace what I hope is only temporary Tarmac.”
County, town and borough councillor Philip Jones said the electricity box needed to be large enough for an engineer to work on without contorting their body. But plans to paint the box to blend in with its surroundings were being considered this week.
