In the past five days, pots placed on Gore streets as part of the Streets Alive project trials were targeted by people who have tipped them over, spreading soil and plants on the street.
Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks condemned the vandalism and said in a press release last week people should give the trials a chance.
"We know change can be challenging, but we need to remember these are trials," Mr Hicks said.
However, resident Ian Cupit said if the planters had not been placed on the road the vandalism would not have happened.
"Who’s at fault here?
"The true vandals are the council."
On Monday, he counted about 600 posts from people who had commented on the council’s social media site about the trials, mostly negative..
"Only a small few have said yes they like them."
The planters were dangerous, he said.
The council was not listening to ratepayers and given the negative response so far, should call a public meeting, Mr Cupit said.
Gore roading asset manager Peter Standring said council staff had received a lot of support from people who were disappointed and disgusted to see the vandalism on Gore’s streets.
"We are putting out a survey just after Easter to gauge public awareness and sentiment, and will follow this with another survey at the end of the trials."
- By Sandy Eggleston
