Visitors relaxing in a newly pedestrianised Clifton Village street may have noticed something unusual growing in decorative planters - huge cannabis-like plants.
Princess Victoria Street was pedestrianised during the summer as part of a trial scheme to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
It has been a controversial scheme, with many traders claiming that their takings are down since the area has become traffic-free.
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But critics have had something else to go potty about as several planters along the street had large cannabis-like plants growing in them.
Shoppers and visitors enjoying outdoor tables next to the planters started to notice the plants over the past week when they started to grow rapidly after recent rain.
One local trader, who didn’t want to be named, told Bristol Live that they ‘were surprised nobody had spotted Princess Victoria Street had become the city’s large cannabis farm’.
Paula O’Rourke, who was elected along with Katy Grant as councillors of Clifton ward in May, said she hadn’t seen the plants herself because she is isolating due to Covid.
“I don’t really know what I would be looking for anyway,” added Cllr O'Rourke.
She said: “The planters were provided by Blaise Plant Nursery and planted with a nice variety of annuals and perennials, nothing more exotic.
“I can only assume, if it is indeed cannabis, that a resident or visitor thought it would be amusing to plant a seed.
“I don’t think they can have expected to harvest it, as it would be identified, as has happened.”
One of the plants was outside Clifton Village Fish Bar, which has introduced outdoor seating in the road since it was pedestrianised.
Owner Marco Maestri said: “The plants have been there since the council installed the planters when the councillors decided to close the road in August.
“People always comment about the plants, which some have said are hemp plants.
“I wouldn’t know - I don’t smoke and never have. I always prefer a nice glass of red!”
Soon after Bristol Live contacted Bristol City Council for a comment about the cannabis plants, it seems that they were removed from the planters.
“I noticed the plants this morning however they have since disappeared,” said antiques dealer Stephen Grey-Harris.
“I didn’t see who removed them, or exactly when, but they were there between 9am and 10am, and now they’re gone.”
A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “Several plants were removed from the planters at Princess Victoria Street this morning. These plants were not among those placed in the planters originally.’’
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