On Tuesday, December 3, the Gloucester Bookshop posted on its Facebook page that council had told them they needed to remove the concrete planter boxes from out front of their shop on Church Street.

"We are really trying as a small business to improve the streetscape of Gloucester. Unfortunately our council doesn't feel the same. It's a sad day for small rural businesses," the posted stated.

This post caused quite on stir in the community with people trying to understand why council would ask them to remove the plants after it rolled out its vibrant spaces program.

The program, which came into full force across the region in February 2018, was designed 'to make town centres across the MidCoast Council area attractive and vibrant.'

Within the policy for the program, council stated that business owners were welcome to splash out onto the footpath, so long as the business held a valid public liability policy.

"Items include tables and chairs for outdoor dining, displays, banners, A-frame signs/sandwich boards, seats, potted plants and art," the policy states.

Council asked business owners to be mindful of impeding on the footpath for people with mobility issues, to ensure the front of the building is left clear for people with visual impairment and to use 'common sense' when placing items on the footpath.

Council issued a letter to the Gloucester Bookshop owners asking them to remove the four planter boxes located on the kerbside of the footpath due to impediment concerns.

"Apparently they must be brought in every evening which is impossible so therefore they must go," the bookshop posted, which is an accurate statement, as the policy states "items will be removed from the street when the business is closed."

"Such a shame, especially as so many other businesses have done the same," the post continued.

Another true statement, as there are several businesses with large pots which are left outside, none of which have been approached by council to remove.

So, why did council only talk to the Gloucester Bookshop?

According to council Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De Szell, "the operators the Gloucester Bookshop have been asked to remove a number of planter boxes located on the kerbside outside their business."

"These planter boxes have been positioned close to the roadside and impinge on the area required to open vehicle doors. As a result drivers are parking away from the kerb.

"Council is aware of a social media post which appears to indicate the issue has been with planters positioned in front of the building. This is not the case.

"The request to the operators to remove the planter boxes on the kerbside is part of ongoing compliance issues with the building."