THE bollards on Malmesbury's Tolsey footpath, labelled crass and insensitive by Janie Thomas, a Fellow of the Landscape Institute, have been painted green.

The once steel grey bollards were installed as part of the £37,500 scheme to floodlight Malmesbury Abbey.

They came under fire from Ms Thomas, of Gloucester Street, two weeks ago, who said they were not sensitive to the spirituality of the churchyard.

The five bollards have now been painted Malmesbury Green and The Friends of Malmesbury Abbey who have been overseeing the project, said they are now not so obtrusive.

Works coordinator Ron Bartholomew of the friends said: "There were always going to be painted green as part of the project. They now fade into the background, against the green grass and don't stand out so much."

But Ms Thomas said painting the bollards has not changed her view. "Okay, they haven't painted them red but they are still a mistake," she said.

"This scheme has been conducted by well meaning amateurs. It is a beautiful site. Nothing should have been put vertical in that space because it conflicts with tombstones."

She added she would like to see ground level lighting replace the bollards and has pleaded with the friends to move the last bollard, which can be seen from the Tolsey Arch.

"The bollard should be moved from the centre of Tolsey Arch to against the building, where it will not be viewed from the Market Cross," she added.

The friends said they were restricted by funds when coming up with the plan but the scheme had taken four years to be given the go-ahead and had been cleared by English Heritage and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Chairman of the friends Appeal Carolyn Pym said: "We had possible alternative bollards designed especially for the site but they would have cost £2,000 each. We knew the bollards were the expensive part and if more money is raised in ten year's time they can be changed."

The bollards cost £6,381.47 to install and English Heritage decided on their location.