YOUNG children will soon be safer on the Markets terrace. Thirteen self-watering planters will be placed around granite columns opposite HMV to prevent youngsters climbing up on them.

The precautionary measures follow Health and Safety’s intervention after concerns were voiced about the danger the area posed.

The planters have been designed by a Guernsey-based company and are being manufactured by specialists in England.

But the solution has taken longer than expected to implement and Chief Minister Mike Torode has criticised the temporary barriers put in place in the meantime.

Strategic property services manager John Silvester said he was aware the matter had taken months to sort out, but added that islanders should be patient.

‘The planters have been on order for three months now and we hope to get them in four or five weeks’ time,’ he said.

‘A lot is going on that the public is not aware of. It’s taken time because all the departments had to be consulted to make sure they fitted the bill.

‘We also had to get them approved on the issue of their weight, as obviously they will be sitting above Sports Direct as well.’

The rectangular planters will be approximately knee high, black and have the Guernsey crest embossed on them.

Different sizes will be used to fit securely around the base of each of the three plinths.

Each planter will contain a water reservoir that needs refilling only once every six months to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

The 13 containers are likely to cost £7,000 to £8,000 in total.

Mr Silvester said they had had to be made in England in order to satisfy Health and Safety’s requirements.

‘These planters are not off

the shelf and there is no company in Guernsey that has the capability to manufacture them,’ he said.

‘When we started looking around we saw that some are very expensive and can run into tens of thousands of pounds.

‘There will be maintenance costs on top of the initial price and a contract for this will be drawn up, possibly involving States Works.

‘Another 18 of the same planters have been ordered for around the Markets area to make sure they all match.’