by Adam Williams
awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Bosses at Canterbury Museum are to press ahead with plans to remove a 16th century holly hedge from the front of the building.

The prickly issue first came to light earlier this summer, when the idea was suggested as a means of increasing visitor numbers.

More detailed plans for the front garden have now emerged and work could begin next month.

But opinion remains divided on the hedge’s removal, with local residents suggesting a compromise.

St Mildred’s Area Community Society (SMACS) chairman John Ellaby hopes the hedge can still be maintained as part of the new landscaping.

He said: “SMACS have expressed their concern about these plans in the past and we understand the museum’s desire to make the building more visible and attractive to potential visitors.

“But it’s nonsense what they’re suggesting. There are other ways that could be done with improved signage directing more people towards it from other parts of the city centre, and better promotion of it as a museum and visitor attraction.

“The hedgerow could be maintained by cutting it into a wave shape. That’s the compromise we’d like to see rather than destroying something that was very carefully planned by landscapers and has been maintained for centuries.

“The garden for teas and coffees they’re suggesting could go at the back of the museum. People would have views across the river to Greyfriars Gardens instead of traffic in Stour Street.”

City council spokesman Rob Davies said: “Many people simply do not know the museum is there, and this is not helped by the fact the hedge at the front obscures the view of the building.

“Although we understand the concerns that have been raised, we still plan to remove the hedge, but will be waiting until the end of the nesting season in September before we carry out the work.

“The garden has great potential but historically it has been under-used. We want more people to enjoy it, and since we put chairs and tables in this has been happening. Maintenance of the garden will also be improved.”