Planters in Penryn that were recently vandalised have come in for another kicking, this time in the form of a letter to the town council.

In a letter read out by town clerk Michelle Davey at last week's meeting of Penryn Town Council, local historian John Kirby denounced the pots and baskets as "a bit of a mess" and asked if the "not very attractive" community garden could be moved on.

His full letter, as read out during the correspondence section of the meeting, said: "While I appreciate the idea of a Community Garden at Fish Cross was an interesting one, the final results are always dependent on care and maintenance.

"When it was first installed it looked very interesting but over the autumn and winter months it has become a bit of a mess, not helped by vandalism.

"I would suggest that wickerwork baskets and plastic pots are not very attractive once they are past their best.

"Would it be possible to grow herbs during the summer months or relocate the garden to a more appropriate spot?"

Mis Davey told councillors that the matter had also come up at a recent meeting with Viv Bidgood, of Cormac, where they visited Fish Cross to discuss the siting of new information boards for the town.

She said the matter had been left with Mr Bidgood, as it was on the highway and therefore a matter for Cornwall Council.

Miss Davey also told the Packet that several councillors had aired concerns that the area looks untidy and that the planters and willows are encroaching on the seating area.

The planters are part of a community garden set up by Incredible Edible Penryn, which aims to provide edible plants which residents are free to pick and use.

At a meeting in 2013, the town council supported the group's plans to put plants in the boat at The Old Gentlemen's Shelter, the bed at the railway station, planters outside the Methodist Church, the Memorial Garden, St Gluvias Church Hall and boxes sponsored by individual local businesses.

Karen Narramore of Incredible Edible said: "Incredible Edible has had a lot of support from the community and the council over the last few years that we have been going. The Fish Cross planting has always been popular and when we are gardening there, we always have a lot of locals coming over and telling us how much they enjoy it. It's really unfortunate that this damage has occurred now, and we do intend to replant at Fish Cross if the council are still supportive.

"We have not been contacted by the council about a letter of complaint, and if there has been a complaint we would like to hear about it so that we can work together to put things right."