The nation’s media has been turning the spotlight on The Chronicle’s story about plaques with amusing and political messages which were placed on benches in Chester.
The plaques were created with the intention of highlighting Cheshire West and Chester Council’s plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address anti-social behaviour issues.
They have since been removed but the story has gone ‘viral’ after being picked up by national newspapers including the Daily Mirror, Metro and Telegraph and even major regional news outlets such as the South Wales Evening Post.
Helena Horton wrote in The Daily Telegraph: “The plaques on these park benches would probably make people sitting down to enjoy their lunch do a double take.”
Nicole Morley wrote in the Metro: “Although the little signs were created to bring a smile to shopper’s faces, the council aren’t amused.”
All the articles used the quote The Chronicle obtained from Maria Byrne, head of place operations for Cheshire West and Chester Council, who said taxpayers money has been used to take them down.
She said: “We have removed the plaques from five benches and although they may appear humorous, some people may find them offensive. It has cost the council taxpayer money for officers to locate and remove them.
“If anyone knows who is responsible we would like to hear from them.”
But this prompted the South Wales Evening Post to write: “Killjoy council officials have removed a series of comedy plaques put on street benches - aimed at bringing a smile to shopper’s faces.”
Two street artists placed the plaques to raise awareness of the plight of homelessness in the city and the issues which form part of the controversial PSPO bid.
One of the artists who created the plaques but did not wish to be identified said: “This was all done in good grace and with no malice or thought of financial gain. We just hope the residents and visitors of Chester enjoyed them while they could.”
The story generated a lot of reaction on The Chronicle’s Facebook page with Joe Saxon commenting: “Shame isn’t it rather than helping the homeless and vulnerable we bring in a law that stops them being in the town centre.
“The only reason this is happening is to stop homeless people being on the streets of Chester so it doesn’t look bad to the tourists.”
Supporting the plaques, Joseph Lightfoot said: “These are brilliant and whoever is responsible should go full on Banksy and spray murals right onto the CWAC offices.”
It was a view echoed by Sarah Yıldız who declared them: “Awesome plaques, whoever did this is a total star!”
And Donna Dunn speculated: “I wonder how much it cost for one man and a screwdriver to remove these plaques? Thousands I expect! Spend our money wisely CWAC.”
Bill Pugh came up with an interesting idea: “Now there has been so much publicity over this would the council like to put the removed plaques up for auction on one of the auction sites to raise some money for a useful cause?”
An alternative view was put forward by business crime manager at Chester Against Business Crime Bob Lelliott who said: “There is a lot of subtle misinformation circulating around the PSPO. I am not saying the order is right or wrong, I’m just saying read the proposals.
“I rather think part of this is to help shop workers, particularly on The Rows who have to mop up faeces and urine before being able to enter their shop of a morning.”
And Stella Dixon said: “To all the keyboard warriors on this: where did you get your information? The PSPO was proposed by the police and will not encompass all of the things that are being consulted on.
“The views and opinions expressed in the consultation will be considered and the policy shaped around that. Obviously nobody is used to the idea of democracy and consultation after the last administration.”
What do you make of the comments about the plaques? Did you see them in Chester? Let us know in the comments below
